Thursday: Final Triumph of Zion
Isa: 24:1-27:13
Following oracles against individual nations in Isaiah 13-23, Isaiah 24-27 describes on a worldwide scale the climactic defeat of God’s enemies and the deliverance of His people.
Why does Isaiah’s description of the desolation of the earth (Isaiah 24) look like John’s description of events connected with 1,000 years that follow Christ’s second coming (Revelation 20:1-15)?
Image © Kevin Carden at Goodsalt.com
As in Isaiah 13-14, aspects of literal Babylon apply to later powers, and the “king of Babylon” represents fusion of human rulers with the mastermind behind them, Satan himself. So, a message that Babylon is fallen (Isa: 21:9) can be repeated at a later time (Rev: 14:8, Rev: 18:2), and Satan is finally destroyed after Christ’s second coming (Rev: 20:10). While the destruction of literal Babylon was a judgment “day of the LORD” (Isa: 13:6, Isaiah 13:9), another “great and terrible day of the LORD” (Joel 2:31, Mal: 4:5, compare Zephaniah 1:7) is on the way.
Similarly, in Isaiah 24 the prophet’s vision reaches through conditions with which he is familiar to the time when “the moon will be abashed, and the sun ashamed; for the LORD of hosts will reign on Mount Zion and in Jerusalem” (Isa: 24:23, NRSV). Isaiah undoubtedly thought the vision applied to the Jerusalem he knew, but the book of Revelation explains that it will actually be fulfilled in the New Jerusalem (Rev: 21:2). “And the city has no need of sun or moon to shine on it, for the glory of God is its light, and its lamp is the Lamb” (Rev: 21:23, NRSV).
Does God really destroy the wicked?
Look at Isaiah 28:21, where God’s work of destruction is His strange “deed” (NRSV). It is strange for Him, because He doesn’t want to do it, but it is, nevertheless, a deed, or an act. It is true that sin carries the seeds of self-destruction (James 1:15). But because God has ultimate power over life and death, and He determines the time, place, and manner of final destruction (Revelation 20), it is pointless to argue that He ultimately terminates the curse of sin in a passive way, by simply allowing cause and effect to take its natural course.
| What we see in Isaiah 24-27 is what we see reflected in the entire Bible, which is that no matter the suffering, pain, and desolation now, in the end God and goodness will triumph over evil. What, then, is the only thing we can do if we ourselves want to be part of that final victory? Prov: 3:5-7, Rom: 10:9. |
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If you have not already done so, can I suggest that the best starting point for today's lesson is to read the whole 4 chapters Isa 24 - Isa 27 in one sitting. It is Biblical literature at its finest - a poetic description of the battle between good and evil. I read it this morning in the New King James Version and decided that any commentary would be like adding ketchup to apple pie!
I will add a spoiler: This is how it ends:
I challenge you to read the rest of it and let the poetry speak for itself.
Thank you, Maurice!
O Lord, thou art my God; I will exalt thee, I will praise thy name; for thou hast done wonderful things; thy counsels of old are faithfulness and truth. Isa 25:1
Final Triumph of Zion
When Zion triumphs, will Lyn be in that number? Thy counsels of old are- 1. Faithfulness 2. Truth. Is Lyn faithful and love truth(Jesus). Am I trusting in Jesus and him alone, or do I put my trust in men who I think can speak eloquently, and work skillfully? Those who have a multitude of followers on social platforms and are deceiving many. Or am I studying the word of God so I will not be deceived.
Sister Lyn, as SDAs we are always educated and encouraged to look upon Jesus and not man. Yet it's through the eloquence of biblical authors then, and modern men that we learn of salvation and God's love for mankind. To be skillfull is a blessing, to have a multitude of followers means that more people can learn about God, it's a matter of perspective. Whether it is a large or small social platform following, the admonition should always be; to do justly, love mercy, and to walk humbly with our God, Micah 6:8. The larger the following, the better, as this gospel must be preached to all the world... Matt. 24:14. The nations must be taught, and be made disciples, Matt. 24:18,19.
I appreciate the many different perspective on the SS lesson everyday, I will be honest, many times I come to the comment section first to see what's being said. I post many of the comments to my Facebook page, people read and are blessed by these comments.
Bro Maurice, is an educator, therefore he writes to make us think outside the box; by using his stories we see Jesus everywhere and in everything, right at the end of the story it's all about being loving and kind to each other to show our love for God. He uses practical everyday events that we do not think about, to show us Jesus. Sister Shirley for the most, sticks to the question asked, and answers directly from the bible or sis White's writing. You, sisters Brigette/Esther/Nanci, and brothers Newbegin/Robert/John/JC, and others, use your lifestories, the bible, sis White, and your opinions on this forum. All the contributors use their eloquence and skills to make for an interesting perspective on the SS lesson. I thank and appreciate you all.
Genesis to Revelation God is in the business of creation/restoration for him to destroy sin/sinners is a strange act because it goes against the nature of God.
When the nations play god we have seen how destructive they have been to one another. Without the mercy of God prevailing in world nothing but destruction will remain.
There will be cruelty on one another.
Therefore God is his mercy puts an end to the destructive natured humanity.
Newbegin,
Hello, what makes this a strange act if throughout the bible God has destroyed nations, armies even the world with a flood? This doesn't seem to go against His nature if indeed the examples I brought up are true.
Many prophets have spoken of the final destruction of sin in one way or another. Enoch prophesied this before the flood. We can also find this removal of sin in the Psalms. Isaiah was written more for us than for Judah at the time these prophecies were written by the prophet. Speaking of the flood, the invitation to escape the coming destruction was extended to every soul.
"Does God really destroy the wicked?"
Do we believe His word through the prophets? Only God can give life to a soul, and only God has the power to destroy that soul. If not God, then, who??? As the only Sovereign of all creation, it must be left to God to create and/or destroy. However, we must realize God is not angry or vengeful. While He wants to save, He cannot save His creation fully until sin is finally eradicated, which will include all who embrace it.
"...What, then, is the only thing we can do if we ourselves want to be part of that final victory? (Prov. 3:5–7, Rom. 10:9.)"
Repent and believe the gospel is the only remedy Jesus offered. There is no other option given.
To be a victor in the end, there is only one way: believe in Christ to the point of total surrender. He has promised to strengthen, transform and use us for His glory, but only as we yield ourselves completely to Him. He won’t force us to accept His gift of salvation, His correction, redirection or to serve Him.
John 6:37, 40. “All that the Father giveth me shall come to me; and him that cometh to me I will in no wise cast out. And this is the will of him that sent me, that every one which seeth the Son, and believeth on him, may have everlasting life: and I will raise him up at the last day.“
God's kingdom is both present and future. This present world is an evil age dominated by Satan. The coming world is an age of righteousness everywhere, dominated by God's Spirit, and inaugurated by the Messiah. It makes me think of the governmental system in the USA where we elect a presidential team in November, but those persons doesn't start to govern from the Oval Office until January. November-January is an in-between time. Spiritually that is where we are, too. We live in the tension of the already but not yet. The time period between the 2 comings of the Messiah that we call the Last Days or the Latter Days. The apostle Paul tells us to run the race with eternity in view (1 Cor. 9:24-27; Heb. 12:1-3). We see the problems of this current age through the lens and filter of what we shall do in the hereafter in the coming world. We see prophecies from a middle viewpoint of what was and what is to come. We followers of Jesus have 2 passports, we're in a "2-world" program. What is that like for you? Does it feel lonely to you to be out of lockstep with most of the culture around you which is focused only on this age?
Newbegin,
If God has destroyed people throughout the OT such as, nations, armies and even the world by a flood, how is this a strange act from God? Seems like it's just business as usual.
These chapters of the book of Isaiah are deeply sobering to the heart and mind of any person who trusts God to deal with His creation justly. It causes me great sadness to see that these strong measures are needful in order to make things right. But I know God our Creator does all He needs to do to protect those who can be saved; it is His Light of righteous Mercy directing the churning, raw sea of destruction.
Isa.24:17-21KJV - speaks to this earth having reached its endpoint – v.17: “Fear, and the pit, and the snare, are upon thee, O inhabitant of the earth. There is no place man can hide/find/turn to to protect him from the destructive forces which bring changes to the earth.
v.19: “The earth is utterly broken down, the earth is clean dissolved, the earth is moved exceedingly.
v. 21: “And it shall come to pass in that day, that the LORD shall punish(visit upon) the host of the high ones that are on high, and the kings of the earth upon the earth.
Everyone, in Heaven as in earth, will receive just punishment.
Isa.26:1-4KJV – speaks to the glorious assurance that:
v.1: “In THAT day shall this song be sung in the land of Judah; We have a strong city; salvation will God appoint for walls and bulwarks." God’s Righteousness will be the Salvation of the faithful inhabitants; its city’s walls and bulwarks.
v.2: “Open ye the gates, that the righteous nation which keepeth the truth may enter in.” The faithful gathered from throughout the earth will enjoy Salvation together with the faithful of Judah.
v.3: “Thou wilt keep him in perfect peace, whose mind is stayed on thee: because he trusteth in thee.”
v.4: “Trust ye in the LORD for ever: for the LORD JE-HO’-VAH is everlasting strength;
Isa.26:5-9KJV – Speaks to that He “bringeth down them that *dwell on high*; "the *lofty city* He layeth it low.” v.6: ”The *foot* shall tread it down, even the feet of the poor, and the *steps* of the needy.”
God’s Words are the Word of Truth, Light and Life – mankind’s Savior Christ Jesus. Again and again He points to the need for us to maintain faith in His Righteousness, not to forsake the travel(living) on His narrow Road for the travel on the broad road which leads to destruction.
Isa.26:8-12; v.12: “LORD, thou wilt ordain peace for us: for thou also hast wrought all our works IN/FOR us.
He continously admonishes us to exercise this intangible gift of *Trust* and *Faith* with all our heart and not lean on our own understanding; to confess/testify/state/express from the heart our believe that God has raised His Son, our Lord and Savior Christ Jesus from the dead; then we live/are/will be “*a strong city* open to the *righteous nation* which keepeth the Truth.”
Benjamin- To my understanding, God does not destroy anyone.
Satan has the power to destroy and to do everything hurtful even to ask for the life of humans. If he can squeeze the life/breath out of anyone then death comes. e.g Job 1:8-12. All humans have an hedge around then, and what they possesses. This hedge is our guarding angels that watches over all humans whether we are Christians, or non Christians 24/7. When we decide to follow Jesus, we/Christians become partakers of his grace and his life. To me, I am now believing in him(faith) and doing what he asked me to do(works). He, Jesus and the Father then move and live in me. As long as I cont to allow him to take control of my life, he cont to live in me.
Those who refuses to allow Jesus to live in them only live like that for sometime. Revelation tells us about the four angels who are holding back the winds of strife from blowing upon the earth. Satan is behind the winds of strife. When Jesus tells the angels to let go the winds their are holding, Satan takes over with his catastrophe. He damages not Jesus.
At some time, according to the Bible Jesus and all the angels will come again. The angels living presently on earth and the Holy Spirit will be in that number. They will leave this earth and go to be in that heavenly army to return as a group with Jesus. So the earth with be without those protections. But at that time, the Holy Spirit/Jesus character will be living in the Christians. To me, this is known as the sealing of God people/when He/his laws are dwelling in us and we are sold out to him. We/our minds are sealed for good so we will not turn back to do evil. Totally following Jesus.
So when the plagues mentioned in revelation starts falling it will not affect those who have Jesus dwelling in them. Those who are sold out to him. When he comes again, those who are dead their angels will awake them, and those alive will be caught up to be with them in the air and meet Jesus in the air.
When he comes after the thousand years, the wicked who choose to partake with Satan and his angels(hell fire was prepared for Satan and his angels) will be with Satan and try to challenge God to take the new Jerusalem. At this time, fire will consume them.
Amen and Amen, Lyn Lew. God does not destroy, but that is not what the lesson is telling us is it? The lesson states that, "it is pointless to argue that He ultimately terminates the curse of sin in a passive way"
But if you are saying that God does not destroy then, it must be passive, as you stated, He lets go of the winds of strife...
I would have to ask, how do you understand that "fire" that comes down to "destroy" after the 1000 years? I often hear people say, "fire will come down", but who starts this "fire", who sets the temperature?
I agree with you according to your comments and just needed clarification on the last part.
2 Peter ch 3 v 10 . 11 the Day of the Lord will come as s thief InT he night pause .. in my mind the second part takes place at a later time period . It then
states in which the Heavens shall pass away with a great noise the Elements will melt with (fervent )Heat the Earth and All the works that are in it will be burned up. . . Ok let's examine this closely heavens meaning our atmosphere n the stars and other planets also because their 3 heavens mentioned in scripture . .
We have polluted the other planets with our junk probes satelights with our sin
All of this will be cleansed with fire.
Benjamin- according to how I understood it. Hell was prepared for Satan and his angels to finally destroy them. Satan and his angels are Spirits, spirits are like the wind, unseen. The Lord said he will bring an end to the originator of sin forever. The Lord chooses what method he pleases to destroy Satan and his angels for his own reason. Hell fire was not made for humans. Matt 26:41. Human were created to live forever, after sin, Christ realized humans will die the second death so he made a way to escape. For this reason John 3:16-17 was given.
Christ can blow away Satan and his angels now but he is giving us humans equal opportunity to be saved.
Similar to God, can anyone tell us what method we should use to discipline a disobedient child?
Amen, Lyn.
So, what is this "hell" that was prepared? I know that it wasn't made for humans, but humans will be there.
And to answer your question about discipline, yes, anyone can tell you how to discipline a disobedient child, you discipline them with love. And this is what God does, because He is Love, I know that it will be loving.
I don't think you quite answered the questions, but I thank you for responding how you did, I agree again, but there are still unanswered questions.