After reading today’s passages, use the guiding content below to help you reflect, respond, and engage with one another.
The Old Testament prophets looked forward to the day when God’s heavenly kingdom would be an everlasting presence on earth. Prophets used poetic language and imagery to suggest what this renewed world would be like.
In prayer and in the comments, reflect on any images from today’s passages that were familiar to you. What images point to the different or “beyond” nature of what’s to come?
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127 thoughts on "Glimpses of New Creation"
God is so Amazing and we are not worthy
The wolf and the lamb shall feed together spoke to me for some reason I guess because it seems like such an unrealistic image but when I looked it up I found this: The people of God are comparable to lambs, for their harmlessness and innocence; and wicked men to wolves, for their fierceness and cruelty; but, by the grace of God, the latter become as mild and as gentle as the former, and live upon the same spiritual food, and join with them in attendance on the word and ordinances, where they find spiritual refreshment and comfort together and this really spoke to me because it really helps to show God has the final judgement of all of us and that through him anything is possible
Mountains are reoccurring images and to me represent his protection but mountains also reflect our journey with hiM in accepting and being patient for the new: a challenge, rewarding.
These passages are a great example of how God restores all things, and how much he can restore. He is also a rescuer.
Not really imagery but I had not come across Isaiah 35:3-4 before, great verses I will be holding on to!
Amen, the Lord is good.
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New Life and bringing change, that’s part of the Hope in Christ
Amen
“The serpent shall eat dust” a strong but powerful sentence. All of us will have to face what we have chosen in the end. The Lord will not forsake us if we follow him, thank you Jesus.
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Before I call He will answer before I yet speak He will hear. What a powerful passage ❤️ Thank you Father for the reading of your word! These passages of scripture fill me with so much Hope! and excitement for all that you have in store for your people!
I read a note in the ESV study Bible about Isaiah 65, and it talks about how there is some dispute as to whether this is painting a picture of the eternal state or an idealized Jerusalem, but no matter what, “at the same time this description goes far beyond anything the world has ever seen, inviting the believer to yearn for more and to play his or her role as the story unfolds to its glorious end.”
We live in the already and not yet. Jesus has come and is coming again.
What would it look like to live in this truth today? To bring good to the world around us through our work, our advocacy, our love for others, but also to find hope in the day that all things will be made right, something better than we can imagine (though this passage gives us a small glimpse).
In times like we live in, passages like these are what fill me with hope and excitement
Amen! Agreed – without God’s words of hope in this mess of a world I would despair
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I was ready to be sought by those who did not seek me, here I am , here I am… I’m reminded of the Lords goodness and patience for us- how marvelous he is and how distracted we can be by our little lives .. but the creator of the universe waits for us.. patiently saying here i am. I pray to not be distracted by lives chaos, and to turn to his voice and seek him.
Amen! My goal, too. In fact, my words to focus on this year are “abide in Christ”…so amen!
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“my chosen ones will long enjoy the work of their hands” – like Kendra said, while we would still have work in the New Heaven, the work will be enjoyable and we will enjoy the fruits of our labour. It’s a beautiful picture of great joy and pleasure in doing the Lord’s work. This is what we can look forward to and this perspective should colour our view of our work here on earth now. Father, help me to see people, work and situations with a Jesus perspective. Amen
There is always redemption when seeking the Lord. What a beautiful passage
“I will create new heavens and new earth and the former things shall not be remembered.” This verse stuck out to me because He has a rescue plan. We rejected him but God will still save us. He will take away all pain and will save us from ourselves.
On difficult days the thought of heaven is one thing that helps get me through.
“Before they call I will answer, while they are still speaking, I will hear” I feel comfort. He knows. He is there. I am not alone. I look forward to the day of utter peace.
Yes! Praise God that he is with us always!
Come Lord Jesus and bring heaven to earth.
I thought it was so interesting how God talks about us enjoying the work of our hands. In today’s world, our sole purpose for work is to make enough money so that someday we won’t have to work anymore. Work is seen as a labor and a burden. But even in God’s perfect kingdom, it seems we will still work with our hands and it will be an enjoyment. It changes my perspective on the work I do here on earth now. God create us to be purposefully and there is great joy to be found in the work he’s called us to!
The part about work stuck out to me, too. In one part it speaks of not working to build a house so someone else can live in it or growing food for others to eat. I get this idea here of enjoying the fruits of your labor, not working for a demanding boss because you have to.
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Love to think of God with his hands outstretched saying Here I am…even to those not ready for him. So glad there is a new heaven and this fallen world is not the end.
The images of the new Heaven and earth that are familiar to me is when God says there will be no more weeping no crying but that joy will overtake us. The images that point to the “beyond nature” is that we will live beyond what is now considered “old age” and that the man who makes it to 100 will still be considered a a “mere child”.
Alicia, I agree. I was a little confused by this passage. Do you believe we will still age? Also, I wonder about family and producing as it says in verse 20, “In her, a nursing infant will no longer live only a few days”. Just something that caught my attention and had me curious.
I found peace I. Learning the ways in which God gave everything he created an assignment, a place, a purpose in the world He created. Knowing this brings me ease and comfort because I know He has done the same for me. So why should I have any angst or worry about my own purpose, knowing that it’s surely been defined by God as surely as He crafted my path of adventure to discover it.
It’s fantastic that you are getting thoughts from this post as well as from our dialogue made here.
I have trouble with anxiety too; I’m scared something bad will happen to my son but that translation of the verse brought peace
The image that comes to mind is peace. It brings me peace t.o know that in the end we are victorious. Nothing can conquer us for God will destroy everything out to harm or deceive us. What also brings me peace is knowing I’ll have everlasting life with God.
We shall not sorrow or flee or sigh any more … there will not be a fear because “they shall not hurt or destroy in my holy mountain”. I look forward to the day the God is honored and feared and more than anything revered as the almighty Gid that He is and was and is to come. Pure reverence for our beautiful God and savior.
All I can think of to describe the new heavens and new earth is ” upside down kingdom”. Everything is the opposite of what’s happening in this world or nature.
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The vision that comes to mind is peace. Everyone gathered together enjoying the new creation that God has given us. The serpent eating dust meaning that God destroyed Satan and there will be no more pain. Only glory and happiness
23 They shall not labor in vain
or bear children for calamity,
for they shall be the offspring of the blessed of the Lord, and their descendants with them. – Isaiah 65:23
This passage brought me some peace.
I thought of my grandfather, 97, and his mind is so sharp but he has a hard time walking and talking due to a stroke. He was a story teller his whole life and in not too long he will be in heaven telling stories again!
“The lion shall eat straw like the ox, and dust shall be the serpent’s food.” We can take comfort in knowing that we will emerge victorious and not fall prey to our enemies.
For behold, I will create new heavens, and a new earth, and the former things shall not remember.
For behold, I will create new heavens and new earth 
Isaiah 65:17-25 highlights all our earthly prayers that will not only be answered when we enter heaven but will be the standard. God has heard our prayers (v 24) and is preparing a Jerusalem where we will have health (v 20 – no death), abundance (v 21-22), joy (v 22-23), blessings (v23), and peace (v 25). He may grant us these petitions here on earth but we will never fulfill His purpose of perfection in our lives until we are reunited with Him in our heavenly bodies. I cannot wait for that day!
What comes to my mind are the words of the song “I Can Only Imagine. ” The lyrics that particularly stands out to me are “Surrounded by Your glory, What will my heart feel, Will I dance for you Jesus, Or in awe of you be still, Will I stand in your presence, Or to my knees will I fall. Will I sing hallelujah? Will I be able to speak at all.”
“They shall not hurt or destroy in all my holy mountain.”
There will be peace, no hurt and no one to cause it. Also the beautiful imagery of even the earth hurting will be healed. Deserts blossoming , blind seeing, lame leaping
It reminds me of the passage in Romans 4:17 that says “God gives life to the dead, and calls into being that which does not exist.
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Isaiah 65:1 “I was ready to be sought by those who didn’t ask for me. I was ready to be found by those who didn’t seek me” This stuck with me today!
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We will all be together, no more mourning and worrying. We will be eating together and building with one another! ❤️
Sarah D
Praying for God’s will for you and your desire to marry
Wait upon the Lord
I did not and I married a man who has made my life extremely difficult and unpleasant and down right miserable.
The Lord says that we will have to live with the results of our making choices that were not in His will.
That is where I am and have been married for 35 years and most of it has been
horribly awful because I did not seek His will for my life.
I cant wait to Jesus return. Like the song says I can only imagine his splendor and majesty.
How I look forward to the day when Jesus Christ comes again. I pray that as I wait, I will continue to seek and obey the Lord.
Hi ladies, popping in this evening to say hope you all are having a good first week of the new year!
I would love and covet your prayers. I am really feeling the burden of desiring to get married, as I wait to see if a guy that I’ve been friends with from my church likes me. I haven’t seen him in a couple weeks but probably will at church Sunday. It is a bit harder right now because my roommate/very good friend got asked out by her crush. I am happy for her, but it feels a little bit like salt in the wound. I struggle with desiring marriage, yet staying content in where God has me now. It is not an idol for me, and I believe that it is a good desire to have. I am so thankful too for my job where I can pour into my class and teach them about the Bible and Jesus. I feel like I am at a place where I am serving the Lord and desire someone else to do it with, together. It’s hard to wait. My fear is also that if this guy doesn’t work out…I don’t really know of any other guys I’d be interested in right now. One day at a time. It’s hard. Thank you in advance again for your prayers.
Everything will be made right. The wicked will suffer just consequences and the righteous will finally be at peace.
@GramsieSue- Glad to hear an update and that he is not in hospital and getting some needs met! Your She’s will keep praying for you!
@MariV- Yes, keep sharing that testimoni! I remember how scared you were, and you are such an inspiration!!
@She that recently lost her daughter, so so sorry, I can’t imagine how hard it has been for you, prayers for comfort.
@Martha Hix, always in my prayers!
@Gayle-Praise God for healthy grandson, and prayers for your second miracle!
@Tina and @Mercy- prayers in this valley, you lift us so much, we are holding your arms now.
@Sharon- heart
@Teresa–My word this year is “Presence” as well! I want to remember and KNOW that His presence is ALWAYS with me this year!! Last year it was JOY and I hated to lose that word because I had SO much joy last year with that being my focus not matter what was really going through my head!! So you are going to have a great year! And our prayers are being sent to our Father God that is with you!
I hate to say that I am glad there are not so many comments today, but I’m glad there weren’t as many comments today :))
I keep hitting post before I’m ready to lol
I want that everlasting joy and unending peace of a new heaven and a new earth. I want no more crying and no more pain. I want the presence of God everywhere.
”Then be glad and rejoice forever in what I am creating; for I will create Jerusalem to be a joy and its people to be a delight.“ Isaiah 65:18 CSB
This is what I want to be familiar to me because of everything going on in my life that I want to mourn over.
So thankful for a new heaven and a new earth to come. I am sure is wiĺ be dazzling. But why do we need a new earth when I thought we would all be together in heaven??
“Strengthen ye the weak hands, and confirm the feeble knees, say to them that are of a fearful heart, be strong and fear not, behold, your God will come with vengeance, even God with a recompense, he will come and save you” (Isaiah 35:3-4 KJV). These verses strengthen my heart. Going through a valley season, this is nutrients for my soul. But it takes God, and it takes time. Seasons in valleys deplete joy, strength and hope really quickly if the root is shallow, it is a real test of if we simply believe, or if we spend time to invest ourselves in God. Feeble knees, weak hands, fearful hearts will praise You Lord, even now as in the world to come. Let the wilderness of our souls and the solitary places of our hearts, of our grief, burden, brokenness be glad (Isaiah 35:1-2), let our desert and dry grounds where rivers of joy were robbed, let them rejoice and be filled again with abundant springs of living water, and blossom as the rose, and blossom abundantly, let our circumstances, sickness, fear, doubt, oppression and afflictions see the glory of the Lord, and the excellency of our God, even now, even now Lord. Delay no more for we look to You, who has the power but You? Without God, he who builds the house builds I vain, without God, the watchmen who watch the city watch in vain. Our faith in You is never in vain. May our faith in your Word shift our situations by the authority of the Word. Even Now, let your Glory come in dry places, in valleys, in the darkest places where we sob alone, we search for You earnestly in the secret place. Lifting up prayers for you dear sisters. Tears might be at night, but joy comes in the morning. The Lord is faithful, don’t stop praying. Don’t give up. Feed yourself in the Word. Be blessed.
I don’t know if this what they are asking but this is what I came up with while thinking about it! Like someone else said, no one is grading this lol
1. **Joyful Transformation:** Descriptions of nature, like the desert blossoming and the wilderness becoming a fruitful field, symbolize a transcendent transformation beyond the ordinary course of nature.
2. **Everlasting Joy:** Isaiah 35 mentions everlasting joy, suggesting a joy that surpasses temporal experiences and extends into eternity.
3. **No More Crying or Pain:** Isaiah 65 envisions a future without weeping or pain, indicating a state beyond the natural order of suffering.
4. **The Presence of God:** References to God’s presence and His active role in shaping this new reality point to a divine and transcendent nature of the future described in these passages.
Having lost my daughter unexpectedly a few months ago, these passages about the new heaven and earth are so comforting.
I’m so sorry for your loss. Yes, it is comforting to know that there is more for us
Marya I am so sorry for your loss
I just wanted to say how much I loved the podcast today! I just read “surprised by Hope” by NT wright a few months ago and wow!!! Just such an awesome eye opener about how our ideas have so much been shaped by what we were taught growing up,, the focus was ( for me at least) similar to your guest speaker. The Holy Spirit is at work, bringing light to the truths in scripture that I missed for so long. Thank you
Isaiah 65:21-23 stood out to me, the vision of each person enjoying the fruit of their labor and living in the homes they built and on the land they worked. Too many people are being displaced in our world, the strong taking from the weak. I think of Christians in South Asia who are vulnerable to land-grabbing persecution, but also Palestinians in the West Bank who are being forced off their family olive groves. Come, Lord Jesus! The podcast this week challenged me to imagine heaven and earth coming closer in our own lifetimes, and not just to wait for eternity.
Thank you Gena❤️
Donna Wolcott, this response is with you in mind :) I have always struggled with the apocalyptic components of Scripture, but in a good way. What I mean is, my lack of full understanding keeps me coming back for more! I’m humbled by two things: 1) that my understanding is nothing compared to the Lord’s, and 2) that, through Scripture, He graciously gives me even just a “drop” to taste from the well of His knowledge! Wow! I am metaphorically on my knees!
When I’m really trying to dig into certain verses of the Bible, I have found that re-writing them in my own words can be helpful. For example, I paraphrased Isaiah 35:1-10 (after also reading the previous and following verses for context) to say “When God’s plan is fulfilled, those who truly abide in Him will no longer lack any good thing, even though they are feeling weak and oppressed by sin and wickedness at the moment. Like a dry desert being filled with life-giving water, God’s people will be filled with strength and courage to worship Him alone. There will be no more sin to corrupt the joy of being in fellowship with God and His people!”
For the Isaiah 65 verses, I might say “God says, ‘There are people who took part in the gracious blessings I poured out, but many of them didn’t care about Me and lived for themselves and their own pleasures. They will eventually get what they deserve, because I am just, and wickedness has consequences. But, for now, I will preserve them all because I have a promise to keep to those who are in My covenant (past, present, and future)…. I have a plan to erase the wickedness of the past and to make a new place for Me to dwell in perfect holiness with My people. My chosen people will be so blessed— everyone from newborn infants and mothers, to the elderly — everything they do will be successful! (Because they will only be able to see the goodness and beauty in the things they do, and they will be thankful for it.) I will even bless their children and their children’s children; I will speak with them before they even know to call on Me, because I will already know them and call them Mine!’”
To me, all of these verses point directly to Christ. His life, death and resurrection was the climax to the redemptive plan. Because He took the required punishment, God has even now started to make things new, beginning with the hearts of His believers. 2 Corinthians 5:17 says those in Christ are a “new creation”…. it has already begun! Hallelujah!
Thank you for your prayers and thoughtful encouragement that means so much @Searching and many other SRT sweet friends . ❤️
As I was looking for direction in the “Enduring Word”, versus 19-25 was talking about amillennialism, post millennialism and post millennialism. I don’t ever remember reading about these times and the definitions of these times.
I love that people won’t die before their time and there will be no weeping in this new world. There is so much to look forward to!
I struggled to understand today’s readings and went to the “Enduring Word” for help. I’m truly still at a loss of understanding and it didn’t help but left even more questions. I’m looking forward to reading all your responses sisters.
Oh my word! After listening yesterday to the podcast and then reading this. There is so much more than heaven. We are going to be in a new Jerusalem. A new heaven and a new earth. So when I share with others how exciting heaven will be. I need to make sure that they know there is so much more. God is so Awesome! That he would do all of this for us is incredible. 
Just being in his presence. Sounds amazing, but also the lack of fear, crying, aging adds to the otherworldly aspect of how this new heaven will be different than what we experience now. But being in the presence of our Lord, that is what is both familiar and also so beyond my and imagination.
No more sadness, crying or pain. No more sickness, fear or worrying. All shall be well in the presence of the King! The lion and lamb lay together. I long for these days. Come Lord Jesus!!
No more fear, no more broken bodies, no more predators, no more sighing or sorrows. Best of all unending joy in the presence of Jesus! Lord help me live in a hopeful state of expectation of what is to come! Let me honor you with my life. These verses are so comforting especially as I am watching my mom decline with Alzheimer disease. I know that someday she will rejoice with Jesus having a healed mind and body.
I thought I knew what I was reading about until it came time to answer the questions. Maybe it’s because I didn’t understand what exactly they were asking, but it doesn’t matter since nobody is grading it.
Isaiah 65:17 “For I will create new heavens and a new earth; the past events sill not be remembered or come to mind.”
For those that have suffered trauma, what a blessing this will be.
I will no longer have flashbacks of all the hospital visits with Tanner. Of watching him suffer. God is good!
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Yes!
No more shall an infant be born that lives only a few days – that hits so hard as the plan God has for us when Christ comes back and blows my mind as that is the impact of sin
The idea of a wilderness creates such a barren and untamed, scary even, with feelings of fight or flight. The new earth and new heaven create the opposite sense of peace and calmness.
I love reading and being reminded about what is yet to come! No more pain, sorrow! New plantings, long life, no thirst, no hunger – everything new and good, just like in the beginning. And oh how I want to see the lion and the lamb laying together and children playing with snakes and not being bitten!
God is SO good – all that He has prepared for the redeemed – for me, for you! SO much to look forward to. It helps to soften the blow of this broken, sinful world.
@grammiesue – praise the Lord for Steve’s progress, what an answer to prayer! It’s good to “see you” – you were missed.
@Sarah – praying for you to have time to rest and recover from your high risk pregnancy and birth. It can be so overwhelming for a new mom…just a suggestion, but have you considered hiring a postpartum doula? It would be a world of help!
@Marissa and @Kenady Shope – praying that Lord willing you will both be able to conceive this year and be able to share in the blessing of carrying a baby of your own.
@Stephanie Wilsey – prayers for your daughter to be healed of cancer.
@Tina – continued prayers that God will lift you from the sadness you feel. May He comfort your heart today, and may it help in knowing we are all here praying for you.
Have a blessed Thursday my dear sisters. ❤️
The way of holiness highway is something that stood out to me that I had not read before. The wolf and the lamb eating together. Just the ultimate peace and gladness and contentment that will exist
Isaiah 35:10
As I and several of my community walk through sorrow and sighing, it is such a lovely reminder that it will not always be so. That God is faithful and He has us.
Wow the podcast. This may be the best one I’ve ever listened to. So powerful. Wow so powerful. Listen to Jessica Lamb and Amanda as they discuss the arc of this plan. Life changing.
You can find the she reads truth podcast on most platforms
I agree Kerry! It caused me to think in a whole different perspective.
Makes me long for a better world -New Creation even more after reading these passages BUT also reminds me that I can make changes here and now to create new rhythms that reflect Gods new creation in my life. No I can’t stop the division that surrounds me (it’s why it’s all so great really- God created us to be different) but I can respect differences and appreciate we are all Gods children/ chosen people and we matter to Him!! Help me to obey Lord and love thy neighbor!
Isaiah 35:4 “say to those with fearful hearts, “Be strong, do not fear; your God will come, he will come with vengeance; with divine retribution he will come to save you.” NOW, that’s OUR GOD!! He has always been with us and always will. Even when we don’t “feel” Him, HE is with us! Its when there’s only one set of footprints in the sand because He is carrying us. I still get teared up when I think about those initial days in the courtroom, scared to death, and the Women’s Haven advocate having to tell me “take-a-deep-breathe.” Even then I KNOW my Jesus was with me. I know HE was! AND He is with you as well. Maybe someone in this community needs to hear that! I know I needed it back then. NOT once did I feel abandoned. It was the faithful prayers of this community of that of my community here that kept me going! AND here I am over 6 years later. God is GOOD!! Happy Thursday sweet She’s. This morning I’m attending a funeral with my mom. For me its a celebration of this sweet, sweet friend of the family. She lived to be 96 years old!! I still remember her as a child! I found out she went HOME peacefully.
I really connected to Isaiah 35:6-10. I’m from the Southwestern United States so desert imagery really stood out to me. I feel reassured and calmed when it speaks of water is the desert and jackals lying down in the reeds. Like there will be peace whenever there is currently conflict and suffering.
I was moved by the lame leaping and the mute singing for joy! I have never experienced being unable to outwardly and physically celebrate The Lord’s goodness, but I can imagine the absolute glory of my earthly body no longer hindering me or containing my praise.
I found verse 65:21 very interesting. We will be building and planting and eating from what we planted. We will have work to do with our hands.
Such encouragement in these verses, such hope! Echoing others comments on peace, healing, getting along – true harmony – in contrast to today’s reality. Today I saw how Isaiah 65:11 (courting pagan gods with backs turned to the LORD) is in stark contrast to Ps 23’s detailing of His care and provision for us, and am so encouraged by Isaiah 35 – the healing and restoration of us, and looking towards God’s plan playing out as the redeemed walk on the Highway of Holiness, obtaining joy and gladness while sorrow and sighing flee away.
CEE GEE -❤️ good reminder on those dry bones
TINA, SUSAN BONNER, MARTHA HIX, TRACI GENDRON and so many others – praying for an uplifted spirit today for us all
GRAMSIESUE- thank you for the update on Steve and his good progress! Praying for continued improvement.
Yes, this world we live in is quite broken. To be in Paradise! Oh what Joy!
I haven’t been here in a minute or two…Steve is now in Springfield at a Rehab hospital. He’s making such strides in strength, endurance, and mentally as well. He’s learning to navigate a wheelchair and I have had chair lifts, grab bars, etc installed to make life easier for him. They are fitting him for AFO’s (ankle foot orthotics) so that he can walk with a walker without his ankles rolling or knees buckling. It’s been a roller coaster ride but God…
Thankful for all that God has done during this journey. It wasn’t always how or when I would have done it, but it was done by our perfect Creator. And He was with us every minute.
Is the journey over? Not even close.
But oh what joy to have our Savior with us through all of the ups and downs!
Hugs to all today ❤️
Yes GramsieSue! We love you and Steve and are continuing to pray!
Peace
I believe these scriptures are talking about the new world God is preparing for us, but I also think these things can happen in our lives NOW when we yield to God’s will. I don’t think all the good things will happen when we finally get to heaven, but God wants us to live abundantly joyful lives here on earth (john 10:10). When we yield our hearts and wills to God’s ways, we can live in peace and joy NOW. Psalm 27:13-14. God’s goodness is available to us NOW. Of course evils lives here too, but we can declare God’s goodness and faithfulness and peace over our lives here and now. We don’t have to wait for heaven to experience a little bit of heaven today.
I know this sounds trite when many of us are experiencing heartache, loss of loved ones, disappointment, trials and tribulations of all sorts…. but I have found that the closer I get to God the less I feel the effects of those things on my sense of peace. I, too, experience the evilness of this world, but when my mind is set on Jesus, the pain is lessened by His presence and grace. When I set my eyes on the love and faithfulness of God, I know my current pain is temporary which gives me hope for the future.
I love the glimpses of that future heaven!
As I read the second passage, I kept thinking of our world’s current state. It appears that our world and our nation have turned our backs on Him. How much longer will He put up with that, you know?
Come, Lord Jesus. May those wonderful glimpses keep your sweet She’s looking for Your heavenly promises.
The imagery of people being healed and the idea that reaching age 100 will be considered normal in Isaiah 65:17-25 really stood out to me!
It’s so early! That should say “sitting down together”!
Good morning, Shes! What a blessing to be with you today. Your comments about animals that normally relate as predator and prey during down together in harmony make me think of how things that separate humans will no longer cause division and strife. As a Black woman, I often feel overwhelmed with the divisions that happen in my city, our country and around the world. I look forward to the day when we can all live in true peace, freedom and harmony, with love and appreciation for the sweet and wonderful ways God made all of us. Lord let it be. Restorer of life, come.
In this life we see brokenness, despair, disharmony, distrust, insecurity. In Isaiah’s prophecy we see joy, harmony, peace, abundance, security, LIFE. The desert blooming reminded me of the ‘dry bones’ in Ezekiel 37.
Ever thankful for the One in control and for His love and care.
TINA – praying you have an awesome ‘But God’ moment today! ❤
GAYLE CRAIK – how is the new little one doing? ❤
SEARCHING – ❤
I love the imagery of animals who normally kill each other living in harmony, no pain, or illness, and peace. Oh that will be amazing. Come, Lord Jesus.
All things will be good and holy. There will be joy and no hatred. The idea that those who have found Jesus will be able to live in all happiness and love.
I felt this way as well. Lord, thank you for the grace you extend to us as we stumble our way closer to you striving to be more like Jesus each day.
Joy is repeated over and over and over again which is so promising. No more babies dying, no more sickness. This makes me yearn for heaven more and more each day. Thank you, Lord, for your promises and answers to our prayers
The most predatory animals will live in peace with the gentle ones. I think of what this means for humans. We will all be in peace. No violence, actual or verbal. No backbiting, gossip, fear mongering, or wrangling for positions. We will actually exist in love together. No tears, no sadness, no illness. My daughter will no longer have cancer. All of our minds will be healed of our worries and anxiety. Yes, yes, and yes!
God uses the words joy, gladness, delight, enjoy, ect many times to describe the place he is making for us. Heaven will be the most beautiful far from this world place. Every day here is filled with sin, which will be no more there. Thank you Lord for your love and your grace!
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“Before they call, I will answer; while they are yet speaking, I will hear.” (Is.65:24). How awesome is our God to know our thoughts and yearnings before we can even form them into words?! Such comfort for my prayer life to know that I don’t have to make my prayers some literary masterpiece. My mere thoughts about someone or a situation are enough. The Lord knows.
No more crying, animals resting together, especially ones considered predatory, no more sickness or disease…whatever a wonderful time it will be, forever and ever! No end to this beauty! Thank You Jesus!!!
Planting and eating, pastures to lay in, children not seeing disaster… so much glory and good in Our Father’s way!
I think some of the hardest pieces for me to fathom right now are the parts about reproduction/bearing children. We have been trying to conceive for three years and it seems so hopeless. Like something is being kept from me. My heart aches and longs to be a momma through child birth. I have adopted and I adore my very special sweet girl, but my heart longs to know what it’s like to grow a baby that shares my husband and I’s DNA. There were other parts to the passage that jump out about eternity- no more tears and pain. Those are hard to fathom as well.
We were trying for the last year and now doing IVF. It’s been one of the hardest journeys
The wolf and sheep will lay together – In the past I’ve read this as enemies but now I’m reading it as opposites. Everything we have known will be different with the entire purpose being worship.
What struck me was the images of nature being not noly restored but thriving. In light of Romans 8:22,
“For we know that the whole creation has been groaning together with labor pains until now,” the thought of deserts blooming like a wildflower field with steams running through them is a beautiful picture of God’s restoring power.
TINA – praying you are feeling better today ❣️
Isaiah 35:3-6 was all about healing – people with weak hands, poor knees, lame and blind, fearful hearts… all of those physical ailments are healed. I’m looking forward to a day when my body doesn’t let me down! The verse also talks about deserts transforming into lush green spaces. I love taking this literally as God transforms the landscape. But I think we can read this metaphorically as well. Deserts often represent dead, dry, empty spaces void of life/God (think about those Israelites wandering for so many years in the desert). And now God is coming through to transform these deserts and communities into areas teeming with life. Everything will have to adapt to this new environment. Some habits and thoughts and desires will have to die – they are used to dry, arid conditions and they aren’t suited to this new landscape. And new growth will flourish! (Can you tell we just wrapped up our habitats and ecosystems unit in third grade?!)
I’m challenged by Isaiah 65:2 – “ I spread out my hands all day long to a rebellious people who walk in the path that is not good, following their own thoughts.” How often do I choose to follow my way or my thoughts, instead of God’s? What if following my ways or getting exactly what I want is actually the worst for me?
How kind is our God that His mercies are new every morning and that He is so much closer than we know ❤️
If you have a study book you can make a note of it on the last page.
I just wanted to reflect on Isaiah Ch 65 v1 – I revealed myself to those who did not ask for me, I was found by those who did not seek me. How wonderful that God is here, here for EVERYONE in our everyday lives, whether we like it or not. These things are not coincidence, God is here working in our lives. ❤️
“The sound of weeping and crying will no longer be heard in her” (65:19b). It is such a simple and understandable statement, yet so mind blowing from the perspective of this broken world. Our souls yearn for it though, and so it is familiar and comforting.