Election of Israel

Isaiah 65:13–25
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Contrasts between people who are the Lord’s servants and those who have departed from Him are dramatically presented (vv. 13-16). Those who obeyed His covenant will enjoy all types of blessings, while those who rebelled will experience all types of curses. In the remainder of this chapter the Lord describes the millennial kingdom, which is seemingly identified with the eternal state (vv. 17-25).  Isaiah didn’t seem to distinguish between these two aspects of God’s rule; Apparently he saw them together as one. The Millennium, though 1000 years in duration will be a mere pinpoint of time compared with the eternal state. He will then demonstrate His ability and desire to provide righteousness for sinful men by creating a new heavens and a new earth (v. 16).

At this point the prophet Isaiah sees further into the future than any other Old Testament prophet (vv. 17-20). He looks to the new heavens and the new earth (Rev. 21:1). Things will be so much better than they are now that people will not even think about things as they used to be (v. 17). The new Jerusalem will be a place of rejoicing in contrast to present mourning, and its people will be eternally happy (v. 18). God Himself will also rejoice in the new city and the new people (v. 19). Death will not have the power that it has had (v. 20) Infant mortality will be virtually unknown, and people’s life-spans will be much longer. Likewise there will be abundant safety and plenty when God brings new life into the world (vv. 21-22). Note that people will continue to work. Children will be born for productive lives (v. 23). Perfect communication with God will be another blessing of this peaceable kingdom (v. 24). Nature will no longer be man’s enemy (v. 25).

Application

This world is full of negative things but I want to spend my life being positive, rejoicing in the Lord.