| A GLIMPSE OF THINGS TO COME |
| When all our best dreams will come true. |
| "Behold, I will create new heavens and a new earth. The former things will not be remembered, nor will they come to mind." 65:17 |
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| Everybody wants a glimpse into the future, and the last part of Isaiah gives just that. It tells what will happen at the end of our age on earth. The account is not easy to decipher, however, because the prophet shifts back and forth between his own time and the final events on earth. A Missionary Book To the original audience of Israelites, Isaiah makes one thing clear: God would not permanently divorce Israel. "For a brief moment I abandoned you," says God, " but with deep compassion I will bring you back" (54:7). There is a future for his chosen people. Isaiah declares that Israel's future involves other nations. Foreigners will flock to Jerusalem: "My house will be called a house of prayer for all nations" (56:7). Word about God will go out to nations nearby and faraway, and to distant islands that have never heard of him (66:18-21). Thus the last part of Isaiah, addressed to a people facing deep despair, opens the door for the Jews to become a gift to all people. This prophecy saw fulfillment in Jesus, who recruited disciples to take his message to everyone. Through his life and death, the suffering servant indeed introduced the gospel to the entire world. What Isaiah Says to Us The book of Isaiah goes on to describe a new beginning, a time of final triumph and peace. In that day, there will be no need for tears. Wild animals will tamely lie down together. The sun and moon will fade, overwhelmed by the brightness of God's glory. In chapters 60 and 65, the prophet describes the future with |