Your Light Has Come: Isaiah 60(6)

Pray Psalm 27.4.
One thingI have desired of the LORD,
That will I seek:
That I may dwell in the house of the LORD
All the days of my life,
To behold the beauty of the LORD,
And to inquire in His temple.

Read Isaiah 60.19-22.

Reflect.
1. To what time frame do these verses seem to refer? 

2. How is “light” being used here? What about “land” and “branch”?

Meditate.
Isaiah is given a glimpse into the new heavens and new earth, the time when we will no longer need the light of the sun or the moon, for the Light of God will shine perpetually and without obstruction (vv. 19, 20; cf. Rev. 22.1-5). Of course, this begins within the framework of history as we know it. Jesus, the Light of the world, has dawned, and His Light is overcoming the darkness and filling all the world (1 Jn. 2.8; Eph. 4.8-10). The use of “light” here implies many things, among them life, understanding, peace, joy, and more. 

The effects of this on the people of God are to make them righteous and to glorify God in becoming a holy nation (vv. 21, 22). From one small people a strong nation shall grow to inherit the earth (NKJV: “land”, v. 21). As God had planted His people in the past, so He will plant them again, and they will glorify Him. This will be entirely a work of God’s grace, “The work of My hands.”

Isaiah keeps pulling out the lengths of his spyglass, leading the people of his day and ours to see far into the future, when, “in its time”, the Lord will bring His promises to full fruition, and His creation and people will be fully renewed and restored. We to whom this promise is given must nurture the vision of it in our minds, and devote ourselves to seeking it daily.

Prepare.
1. Why is it important to have, as clear as possible, a vision of the world to come? How can you nurture such a vision?

2. How do you experience the Lord as Light in your life?

3. What should we be doing in anticipation of this coming New Day?

This is exactly what the future life possesses. It will need neither moon nor sun, since it has the ineffable light of God. But those who believe can take advantage of it in a provisional form. Nevertheless, in a figurative sense, believers enjoy this light even now. When they are illuminated by this light, they take the road that is free from error. Theodoret of Cyr (393-466 AD), Commentary on Isaiah 19.60.19

In the Light of that coming New Day, help me live in Your Light today, and to shine Your Light so that…

Pray Psalm 27.
Our hope, our joy, our purpose, and our strength are in knowing and serving the Lord. Let this psalm renew you for the day ahead, and fill you with hope for all the days of your life to come.

Sing to the Lord.
Psalm 27 (Joanna: Immortal, Invisible God Only Wise)
Lord, You are our Light and our Savior most dear!
You guard us with might; therefore, whom shall we fear?
Though evil surround us, our enemies fall;
no harm shall confound us when on You we call.

One thing we request but to dwell with You, Lord,
Your beauty to test and to think on Your Word.
In trouble You hide us secure in Your grace;
no foe may o’erride us: We sing of Your praise!

Hear, Lord, when we cry and be gracious, we pray!
Lord, do not deny us Your favor this day!
Our help, our salvation, though others may fall,
preserve our good station when on You we call.

Lord, teach us; Lord, lead us because of our foes!
Hear, Lord, when we plead for release from their woes.
Had we not believed all Your goodness to see,
our heart sorely grieved and in turmoil would be.

Wait, wait on the Lord; persevere in His grace.
Hold fast to His Word; seek His radiant face.
Be strong, set your heart to abide in His Word;
His grace He imparts; therefore, wait on the Lord.

T. M. Moore

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Forward today’s lesson to some friends, and challenge them to study with you through this series on Isaiah. Each week’s lessons will be available as a free PDF download at the end of the week. Get a copy for yourself and send the link for the download to your friends. Plan to meet weekly to study Isaiah’s important message.

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Except as indicated, Scripture taken from the New King James Version. © Copyright 1982 by Thomas Nelson, Inc. Used by permission. All rights reserved. All psalms for singing adapted from The Ailbe Psalter. All quotations from Church Fathers from Ancient Christian Commentary Series, General Editor Thomas C. Oden (Downers Grove: InterVarsity Press, 2006).All psalms for singing are from The Ailbe Psalter (available by clicking here).