“I, because of their actions and their imaginations, am about to come and gather all nations and tongues, and they will come and see my glory. I will set a sign among them, and I will send some of those who survive to the nations…and to the islands that have not heard of my fame or seen my glory. They will proclaim my glory among the nations. And they will bring all your brothers, from all the nations, to my holy mountain in Jerusalem as an offering to the LORD—on horses, in chariots and wagons, and on mules and camels,” says the LORD. ~ Isaiah 66:18-20
Imagine if you were to go back in time to the year 1900 and you were asked to describe the future, it would be a challenge to describe advancements that would seem inconceivable to the people of that day. How far do you think you would get explaining a microwave oven or a cell phone? Would they be able to wrap their minds around air travel and a trip from London to New York City that would take under 7 hours? Imagine the looks on their faces when you explained a man landing on the moon!
The Old Testament people of Isaiah’s time were about to go through one of the darkest times in their nation’s history. The Lord told the prophet Isaiah to warn the people of Israel that God was about to send them into captivity as a result of their repeated rebellious and sinful behavior. Their future seemed bleak at best.
However, God also offered hope! He pointed to a bright future that didn’t seem possible at the time. God would disperse the people of Israel to the different nations of the world just as he warned, but this act of judgment would bring about an unexpected positive result. As God’s people went out into the world, he would use them to share his glory with all people.
Through those words, a picture is painted of the return of the people that would be spectacular. They would leave in disgrace—in chains, but they would return in triumph with wagons and chariots and animals and wealth. God would bless his people beyond their wildest expectations. (Ezra 1)
God also has blessing for us beyond what we can imagine! How can we as mortal people comprehend an enduring future that lasts for an eternity? How can we put into words God’s great love? We look to Jesus on the cross. It is there that God showed his ultimate love by securing our future with him.
Looking into the future and completely understanding what God has in store for us is impossible. But as we take time to meditate on his Word in the Bible, he grows our faith and understanding of what he has done for us. One thing we can know for sure is that our future with God is bright! May this give you hope as you face the difficulties of each new day with confidence.
Dear Lord, show me your glory. Help me continue to grow in understanding of your love for me and your will for my life. Thank you for letting me look to the future with confidence. Amen.
Living Hope Church 