When Isaiah wrote his prophecy the coming of the Lord Jesus was still many centuries away. Isaiah prophesised of \u2018the last days\u2019 when Messiah would appear, and when Christ would be revealed to the world. He comforted the Lord\u2019s people of his own age and the ages following as they waited and watched for the fulfilment of God\u2019s promise of redemption and salvation.<\/p>\n
In scripture \u2018the last days\u2019 refers to the period of time in which we now live, it has already extended over two thousand years! The last days began with the first coming of the Lord Jesus and shall continue until the Lord\u2019s return.<\/p>\n
A house established<\/p>\n
Isaiah mentions the establishment of the Lord\u2019s house. As in chapter one he is speaking of Judah and Jerusalem, typifying the church and people of God. His vision concerning God\u2019s elect is delightfully couched in language of peace, prosperity and exaltation. But there is a solemn and darker message, too. The prophet speaks of idolatry, pride and judgment upon those who Peter describes as \u2018scoffers, walking after their own lusts\u2019. The \u2018last days\u2019 are days during which Christ\u2019s church is enlarged and exalted, and the wicked are diminished and shamed.<\/p>\n
A kingdom exalted<\/p>\n
Often we do not see matters in quite this way. As Isaiah looked from a long way off He saw the strength and energy of the Lord\u2019s work, the redemption of the saints, and the gathering of the church. He saw the redeemed of all nations flowing into Zion and the elevation of Christ and His kingdom. He saw it \u2018established in the top of the mountains, and \u2026 exalted above the hills\u2019 showing that Christ\u2019s kingdom was superior, enduring and dominant over the little hill-forts of this world.<\/p>\n
Zion enlarged<\/p>\n
We, on the other hand, living in these \u2018last days\u2019 become preoccupied with the waywardness of the wicked rather than the establishment of the elect. Remember, Isaiah was portraying our days to his generation as testimony of Christ\u2019s victory, the winning of souls and the building of the church through the preaching of the gospel of grace. Sure, there are setbacks but from his perspective Isaiah saw the trend was upward and the ending glorious. Today we are watching Isaiah\u2019s vision emerge in real time. We are witnessing the establishment of Zion and this fulfilment ought to encourage us as much as its promise encouraged our brothers and sisters in the Lord almost three thousand years ago.<\/p>\n
Let us go up hence<\/p>\n
In tomorrow\u2019s service we shall be reminded we are they who say, \u2018Come ye, and let us go up to the mountain of the LORD, to the house of the God of Jacob\u2019. We shall see that Isaiah describes you and me saying to each another, \u2018Come, let us go to the Lord, come, let us dwell in His presence\u2019. The prophet depicts us seeking the Lord\u2019s guidance, \u2018He will teach us\u2019. Isaiah sees us walking in the paths of righteousness, and following in our Saviour\u2019s steps. This was his divinely inspired vision of the last days, our days, these days in which we live.<\/p>\n
Peace with God fosters goodwill to men<\/p>\n
The prophet\u2019s reference to the end of war cannot mean the absolute absence of violence for there will be wars and rumours of war to the end of time. Yet, there is a peace instilled in the hearts of those reconciled to God and dedicated to His service. We who serve in the ranks of the Lord do not fight with the weapons we once employed to the destruction of our own souls but minister with gifts and graces designed to build, bless and nurture those around us with gospel truth and life.<\/p>\n
Study war no more<\/p>\n
Swords into plowshares and spears into pruninghooks is a beautiful image of believers laying down their weapons of war and taking up a message of hope, in the service of the King of Peace, for the good of their fellow man. Micah and Isaiah, and perhaps Joel, all foresaw a time when peace would reign in the lives of God\u2019s people, and when the Lord Himself would silence our enemies, suppress our oppressors, and bind the power of Satan.<\/p>\n
Comfort ye my people<\/p>\n
We are tempted to be discouraged and depressed at widespread wickedness in the world but should we not see this evil as God visiting judgment upon His enemies rather than the kingdom of Christ being overcome? Every time a sinner is saved, every time a believer is discovered, a victory is won and Christ\u2019s kingdom is established and exalted. If Isaiah comforted God\u2019s people with this prophecy foretold, we should be comforted with its promise fulfilled.<\/p>\n
Amen<\/p>\n