Deep darkness is coming, arise and shine -are we ready?

Arise, shine; for your light has come,

And the glory of the Lord has risen upon you.

For darkness shall cover the earth,

And thick darkness the peoples:

But the Lord will arise upon you,

And his glory will appear over you.

Nations shall come to your light,

And kings to the brightness of your dawn

Isaiah 60.1-3. NRSVA

More than any other prophetic book in the Old Testament, the words of the prophet Isaiah open our eyes to the glory and scale of God’s salvation plan.  Isaiah’s writings are frequently quoted in the New Testament, as the apostles point to the coming of Jesus and to the time when God’s people will turn back to him.

 However, serious repentance and change is needed. Isaiah has stern words for the idolatry and disobedience of his time.  The themes of judgement and warning run consistently throughout the sixty-six chapters:

“Learn to do good.  Seek justice.  Help the oppressed”.  Chapter 1.17

“The Lord will punish the world by fire and by his sword.”  Chapter 66.16a

  In three short verses Isaiah gives us

•    a challenge to arise and shine,

•    a dire warning of widespread darkness,

•    God’s promise of glory over us,

•    A global turning towards God at the dawn of salvation’s fulfilment.                                                                      

 Despite the rebellion and idolatry of his people, the Lord will restore a remnant who will demonstrate the covenant love and justice of his Kingdom. This Old Testament remnant is a prophetic symbol of all who are in Christ - so that includes us!  Are we ready to live godly lives in the face of darkness?

 As followers of Jesus today, how do we respond to Isaiah’s warnings, challenges and promises?

1.  We focus on the truth that God reigns.  Isaiah himself had received a powerful vision of God in his glory, recounted in chapter six.  Jesus reveals God as Everlasting Father, Mighty God, Creator, King, Judge, Healer and more.  The cross sets the seal on Jesus’ ultimate victory “….He must reign until he has put all his enemies under his feet.” 1 Corinthians 15.25

2.  We encourage ourselves and each other.  “He has poured his love into our hearts through the Holy Spirit!”  Romans 5.5. Together in him we find hope, strength and comfort even amidst the darkness of oppression, war and injustice.

3.  We carry the cross.  The promised harmony and perfection of his Kingdom are still in the distance; we live in overlap time.  So we follow Jesus’ example of humility and obedience.  We embrace suffering and tackle the evil of our times  through lament, intercession and worship.  God’s calendar is different from our calendar, but His nature has not changed. 

4.  We trust in Jesus’ victory.  Evil has the spirit of antichrist as its source, “…whom the Lord Jesus will destroy by the breath of his mouth” 2 Thessalonians 2.8.   But we are in Christ; the source of our life is Jesus, the One who has overcome the world!

Holy Spirit, fill us and prepare us to abide in Jesus and remain steadfast.  Give us all the grace to “Rejoice in hope; be patient in suffering; persevere in prayer.” Romans 12.12.

Amen

Catherine Horton