Isaiah 60

Isaiah 60:2-3, 10 NIV

See, darkness covers the earth
and thick darkness is over the peoples,
but the Lord  rises upon you
and his glory appears over you.
Nations will come to your light,
and kings to the brightness of your dawn.

"Foreigners will rebuild your walls,
and their kings will serve you.
Though in anger I struck you,
in favor I will show you compassion.

This chapter is a promise that Israel is still waiting to see fulfilled. They have experienced God's discipline, but his full blessing is still coming. In the darkness of the world Israel's light will shine even brighter. Nations will be drawn to her glory. These are not empty words of encouragement. God will one day cause this chapter to be quite literally fulfilled. The world will look to Israel for their hope.

In the mean time the church has the hope of the world to offer. These verses, on being the light to which a dark world is attracted, cause me to think of our own present responsibility in the world. Jesus said, "I am the light of the world." He also said, "You are the light of the world." We are the presence of Christ and the light of Christ in our world. One day Jesus will reign in Jerusalem. One day Israel will be the light of the world. One day the nations who lie in darkness will come to the light of her truth. But today we are the light of the world.

Our world lies in darkness and we are sometimes intimidated by that. But light is never intimidated by darkness. Darkness always flees from the light. While we are waiting for the fulfillment of this day, God has called us to carry the hope and light of his gospel to a dark world.

Father, forgive me for the times I have been intimidated by the darkness around me. Paul sitting in the Philippian jail was not intimidated by the darkness. He sang songs of praise and the light of the gospel shown clearly. May that be true of my life as well. And, as you have instructed us to pray for Israel, I pray that you will come quickly and fulfill your promise to your people.

By His grace,
Rick Weinert