Partners in a New Creation
The Great Hope of the Saints
A New City
Live in the light of God (Isaiah 2:5) Isaiah 66:6-14 The Voice6 Can you hear it? There's a commotion in the city,
great rumbling coming from the temple area!
Ah, it is the Eternal thundering in to take on His foes. 7-8 Have you ever heard of a woman who gave birth before she went into labor?
Have you ever seen a woman who delivered a son without feeling a thing?
Do you think it's possible for the land to go through labor in an instant,
or to bear a nation, to be new and strong, in a single day?
Nevertheless, Zion suffered only a moment
before she gave birth to her children!
9 Will I open the womb and not deliver?
I have made this place labor in terrible pain,
But do you think I won't help it give birth?
That is what I, the Eternal One have to say. 10 Eternal One: So be happy for Jerusalem;
give her hearty congratulations, whoever holds her dear.
Take part in this joyous celebration, especially if you remember her grief.
11 For you are her children, and she is giving you the milk of comfort and peace.
Drink at her comforting breasts with satisfaction that all will be well.
12 I will rain down prosperity on Jerusalem, peace abundant on Zion,
and flood her with wealth from all over the world.
Like a thundering river, the riches will come down.
Like a toddler, you'll be held, carried, nourished, and comforted.
13 As a mother soothes her child, so I will comfort you.
And Jerusalem will be so nice, feel so good and safe to you.
14 When you see what I have in store, it will ease your mind and lift your heart;
you will flourish like the grass! The Eternal's power will be clearly evident to His servants;
but His rage will be unleashed against His enemies.
For Reflection
Throughout Isaiah's prophecy, it is clear that God has initiated all the things that have happened to Israel and Judah. The destruction of Jerusalem and her glorious temple, the decades of exile in a foreign land, and now the return and restoration of Jerusalem are God's work, pure and simple. The prophet reflects on the mystery of birth. Jerusalem, the mother, is about to give birth to a new nation. God, the midwife, is there to make sure the delivery goes well. All these events and judgments point to a single moment when Jerusalem will resume its place as God's chosen city and open its gates to believing pilgrims. The prophet asks: will God prevent this new birth from happening? After bringing His people this far, it is unthinkable that God would turn back now.*
Now is the time for Jerusalem to rejoice. Mourning the fate of Israel and Judah has been a Jewish preoccupation for a long time. Ever since Assyria came down and took the northern territory captive, the people have been grief-stricken. But now that God has announced the good news, mourning is no longer appropriate; it indicates a lack of faith in God's plans. After enduring so many years of grief and desolation, can God's covenant people now turn and trust God to deliver this baby overnight? Trust and joy belong together. Zion is like a fertile young woman; she will have all the children that God wills, and she desires. Be happy, the prophet says, and let the celebrations begin.*
*From the commentary embedded in the scripture. PrayPray for the people of God. Pray that their faith is consistent with the Gospel message. Pray about, accept, and take action on the Gospel. | 
