“For behold, I create new heavens and a new earth, and the former things shall not be remembered or come into mind. But be glad and rejoice forever in that which I create; for behold, I create Jerusalem to be a joy, and her people to be a gladness. I will rejoice in Jerusalem and be glad in my people;. . .” (Isaiah 65:17-19a)
Isaiah prophesies of a time that all humanity longs for, peace and freedom from fear and violence. These words thus offer great comfort and hope to all the world. The prelude to his wonderful view of God’s Kingdom, however, prophesies the other side of the picture, the judgment of God’s chosen people for their gross idolatry. Judgment fell on the Israelites for although they liked to be called the Lord’s chosen ones, they deserted Him to worship false gods.
The Kingdom of God as Isaiah foretells will be open to those who were not Israelites or Jews by nationality or birth, but to Gentiles and pagans. These would be grafted into the Lord’s people. But it is only those who come by faith in the finished work of Jesus Christ as the sacrificial atonement for the sins of all who will enter.
All who place their faith and trust in false idols or in self will not enjoy this peace of God’s Kingdom. The reason is because this prophecy is fulfilled by and in Jesus. His death and resurrection changed everything. In dying on the cross and rising again He destroyed the power of sin and death and ushered in the Kingdom of God. Christ came into the world to intercede on our behalf, to redeem us from sin so that we could enter into the Father’s holy presence. Our union with Him means salvation, peace and joy. Though such peace is what all people desire, many, like those in Isaiah’s day will reject it because they reject the way it comes: through the shame of the cross, through faith in Christ, through surrender to the will of Jesus our Lord.