Theological Commentary: Click Here
Continuing
in the book of Isaiah gives us another grand vision. The contrast between the opening image and
the images that bookend it are striking.
In this image, Isaiah speaks about the coming mountain of the Lord. At that time, nations will come to the Lord
to learn His ways. They will give up
violence and warfare in exchange for community building. It will be a great time of peace.
I genuinely
believe that we are still looking forward to that vision. Yes, there are people who say that the vision
found fulfillment in Christ. When Jesus
came, judgment and wisdom did come from Jerusalem. The Gospel of Christ did spread out into the
nations and Gentiles turned to the Lord.
However, there are certain elements that remain unfulfilled. Humanity has yet to give up its violent
ways. We still look for our own gain
rather than look to the betterment of the community. Wherever God’s hand is at work, we will find
glimpses of the ultimate fulfillment of His plan; however, we will only know
that fulfillment in the end when God has triumphed over his enemies and even
death.
After we see
this wonderful vision of our future in God, Isaiah returns us to his
present. The people have rejected the
Lord. They are searching for other idols
to worship and idolize. They have fallen
from their Lord.
What I love
about this chapter is that we know there is a path from our present reality to
God’s future promise. The laws of time
mandate that there is a path from where we are to the great mountain of the
Lord. We have every reason to hope.
Isaiah doesn’t
pull any punches, however. The path from
the present to the great future goes through humbleness. Or pride must be brought low. Our idolatry must be disclosed. Our passions must be redirected back to
Him. We must be made to realize the
futility of our self-centeredness and our idolatry. Only then will we be primed to reach for and
appreciate what the Lord desires to give to us in full.
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