Week 3 - Wednesday

HOPE!

Reading:
Isaiah 60
I shared yesterday's reading with some friends last night.  One of them pointed out that Isaiah chapter 56 verse 9 through chapter 59 verse 14 tells us "this is the mess you're in."  Verses 15 through 21 state, "I, the Lord, will fix it."


Then chapter 60 starts!
"Arise, shine, for your light has come, and the glory of the LORD rises upon you."  The rest of chapter 60 details what that glory and light will look at.  It is so wonderful and important, that God reiterates much of it in the Revelation.


God chooses to describe the redeemed dwelling place of his people as a marvelous city.  As a rural living closet tree hugger, I have been slow to warm up to the city imagery.  Where do you picture paradise? 


In 2010, I heard a number of people talking about what a redeemed city would be like.  I started to get a image of a city as it is meant to be.  It is not meant to be a place of crime, trash, fear and rude people.  It is meant to be a place of multiple cultures and peoples, a place of justice, a place of refuge, a garden for the arts.  See in the verses how people are rushing in to bring their riches, to build and create.  For a much fuller and richer description of what the city is meant to be check out Tim Keller's "The Gospel in Life."  And, Lord, let me not forget that heaven or paradise, or the redeemed city is ultimately the beatific vision.  It is the place where we know You.