“Behold, I create new heavens and a new earth… Be glad and rejoice forever in that which I create; for behold, I create Jerusalem to be a joy, and her people to be a gladness. I will rejoice in Jerusalem and be glad in my people.” Isa 65:17-19
Lord Jesus, there’s more joy and gladness crammed into these three verses than I can wrap my head and heart around. I’m grateful these promises aren’t metaphorical or aspirational, but actual. May your Spirit increase our understanding, ignite our hope, and deepen our worship.
By your finished work, Jesus, the entire Trinity already greatly delights in us—the way Isaiah describes in this passage and fellow prophet Zephaniah described (Zeph. 3:17). The Gospel is this true, good, and beautiful. You are our “righteousness, holiness, and redemption” (1 Cor.1:30). Nothing we do, or don’t do, is connected to a scale, scorecard, or acceptance-meter in the heart of God.
At your 2nd coming, everything you promise in this vision will fully come to pass. Just as our aging bodies will be resurrected and glorified, so our current world is destined to become “new heavens and new earth.” The first Jerusalem is pregnant with the New Jerusalem. Nothing will be broken, all things will be perfect and beautiful.
And we, your impossible to count, every-nation bride, won’t just be happy, we will “be a gladness.” We will finally love you as much as you deserve to be delighted in and adored. As I try to drink all of this in, I feel like the angels who were “on tiptoe with joy” anticipating your 1st coming (1 Pet.1:12). To risk hoping, waiting, and serving you, Jesus, is not a risk; it’s an honor and joy. So Very Amen.