From the Pastor: Curious Comparisons IX
"Then you shall see this and your heart shall be glad, and your bones
shall flourish like the new grass." Isaiah 66:14
Many centuries ago, probably sometime in the fourth century, a Jewish
pilgrim visited Jerusalem, including the ruins of Herod's temple,
destroyed by the Roman general Titus in A.D. 70. On one of the
foundation stones of the Temple platform he scratched this text (in
Hebrew of course!). This crudely written text can still be seen today,
and is regularly shown to tourists.
While the Jewish tourist was exhilarated to see Jerusalem and thought of
this text, the promise set forth here is properly of a new heavens and
earth, and a new Jerusalem in which there will be new life for its
inhabitants. But why the comparison of grass with bones? Think of how
the bones of an ageing person slowly but surely calcify and grow weak
and brittle. If broken they take a long time to heal. All this contrasts
with youthful bones which are strong, supple, and resilient. They are
indeed like fresh grass: fast-growing, well-nourished, and
water-absorbing.
The promise is that in this new Jerusalem our bodies, represented by our
bones, will have a constant youthfulness, a retained vigour, an
everlasting strength. In short, they will be created anew, with all
deformities and weaknesses gone, free to enjoy the fulness of the life
to come, and to enjoy the full fellowship with God.
When will this come to pass? The text goes on to say: "Behold, the LORD
will come in fire." (Isaiah 66:15), i.e. when our Lord comes again in glory.
But it will not be for all: there will be wrath to His enemies
(Isaiah 66:15-16), as well as joy and gladness to those who "see Him"
now, i.e.know and experience the new life in Christ available now.
Make sure you are among those who love His appearing. |