LESSON TWENTY-SIX
The Hope of New Creation
Isaiah shows that God’s plans for redemption are not just for Israel but for all nations. And the hope is not just for a renewed Canaan but for the new heavens and earth.
The following text from the end of Isaiah’s prophecy confronts us with the sinfulness of Israel and all people. We have all rejected this good God. Because of this, we must embrace the sobering images of God’s judgment for what they are—pictures of what we all deserve to endure apart from Christ. It is through our frank confession of sin that we open ourselves to God’s grace. God looks to the humble and contrite of spirit.
Yet in this text we also hear God’s incredible promise to return to his people and renew creation.
And perhaps what is most shocking is the Lord’s heartfelt exuberance about his plan. He will rejoice—rejoice!—over his people. He delights in the contrite. He exults over the repentant. He honors the humble. And he gladly moves history toward an Eden-like new creation in which his people will live with him forever.