February 25, 2024

Isaiah 66:18-24

Context:

            This pericope brings the book of Isaiah to an end. The short section contains similar themes to the rest of the book in speaking of all nations gathering and a restoration of Jerusalem. The scope of the event points explicitly to the eschaton with the introduction of “the new heavens and the new earth.” Additionally, the concept of hell with its eternal punishment is presented in “their worm will never die…they will be a horror.” The passage is placed in a context of eternity in which people will either worship the Lord or continue in anguish.

 

Structure:

            Verses 22-23 stand out in the short pericope as being poetic in nature. The new heaven and new earth can be viewed as the point to which everything previous has been pointing. Even today, it remains an anticipated future reality.

18-21 restoration and proclamation to the nations

22-23 new heaven and new earth with universal worship

24 – sad reality for those who rebelled against me (God)

 

 Theology: eschatology, eternity

 

Some things to think about:

  • What do you think it will be like on the new heaven and the new earth? How will the new be different/ an improvement on the current versions?

 

PREPARING FOR WORSHIP

 

Call to Worship

John 15:12

Victory in Jesus

Theme: Salvation, Adoration

Purpose for Singing: Praise Jesus for his sacrifice on the cross. He has paid the debt for your sins and won the victory!

Act Justly, Love Mercy, Walk Humbly

Theme: Response, Confession

Purpose for Singing: Because of what Jesus has done for you, he is calling you to be his hands and feet, proclaiming the Gospel to all.

Congregational Scripture Reading

Exodus 15:2-3

The Lord Will Fight For You

Theme: Hope, Assurance

Purpose for Singing: Read the Old Testament narrative in Exodus 14 that precedes the song in chapter 15. Because of the evidence of God’s faithfulness in this story, we can be sure of his continued faithfulness to us.

All I Have Is Christ

Theme: Life, Surrender

Purpose for Singing: This is our response to our position before God and Christ’s position. We bring nothing, but Christ has everything.