One of the most astounding books in the entire Bible is the book of the prophet Isaiah. During his long ministry, he watched the Northern Kingdom of Israel fall and be taken into exile by the Assyrians. He warned the southern king of Judah of coming judgment due to their sins. He also pronounced judgment on numerous other nations.
Isaiah also described a future day of peace and restoration. For example, Isaiah 19 pronounces judgment and devastation on Egypt but ends with a vision of a future highway that will link Egypt to Israel and Assyria in friendship and peace. The astounding prophecy calls Assyria “my handiwork,” Israel “my inheritance” and Egypt “my people.” Today, prayer groups throughout that region are praying for the fulfillment of this glorious vision and a highway of peace—the Isaiah 19 highway.
Isaiah’s oracles in chapters 1-39 tend to focus on judgment interspersed with brief respites of hope. But chapters 40-66 focus on the glorious future restoration that the Lord allows Isaiah to see. The very first verse of chapter 40 announces comfort to God’s people who have paid for their sins, and they are told to prepare the way for the coming King.
Isaiah 60 then describes a day when the Lord will shine the light of His glory upon His people and gather them back to their land. The gentiles will even assist in their return and the rebuilding of Zion. The great prophet Isaiah ends his book with the reminder that as sure as the new heaven and new earth will remain, so is God’s promise that the people of Israel will always be a nation before Him.
As the world prepares for the very near and coming return of the Lord Jesus and the days Isaiah foresaw in which this old world takes on eternity as a new heaven and new earth, we need to stand in intercession. Once again, Isaiah saw that too!
I have set watchmen on your walls, O Jerusalem;
They shall never hold their peace day or night.
You who make mention of the Lord, do not keep silent,
And give Him no rest till He establishes
And till He makes Jerusalem a praise in the earth (Isaiah 62:6–7).
Join me for this week’s Out of Zion podcast on Isaiah’s Vision of Restoration. Walk Thru the Bible with me each week by downloading our Bible reading plan, and get started reading right away! Invite your friends and family to join us! I can’t wait to Walk Thru the Bible with you! {eoa}
Dr. Susan Michael is USA director of the International Christian Embassy Jerusalem and host of the Out of Zion podcast.
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