NOVEMBER 11, 2024 – THE NEW JERUSALEM

READ: Is. 33:10-24: Your eyes will see Jerusalem, a quiet home … But there the majestic LORD will be for us. A place of broad rivers and streams … For the LORD is our Judge … our King; He will save us …

In this chapter, we hear of God’s victory over His enemies, where He mercifully cares for the faithful remnant of His people, while at the same time He judges and condemns those among His people who have turned away from Him.

The depiction of the Assyrians marching against Jerusalem, whose people are largely apostate, already points to the final judgment. Then it will become clear to the remnant of the church that the cause of the church is the cause of Christ (BC, Article 37). On that day, all who have rejected and pierced Christ – both heathens and hypocrites – will mourn and beat their chests (vv.11-14; compare Rev. 1:7).

But by then, it will be too late. God’s judgment is full of righteousness and fairness: He judges each according to their works. Those who have lived close to Him and have not been seduced by the dark practices of injustice and bloodshed will dwell on high (vv. 15, 16). They will receive God’s blessings, be exalted, and live securely. They will even see the great King: Christ in His beauty, with a magnificent Kingdom (v.17). All that reminds them of the foreign oppressor will be gone (verses 18, 19)!

Now, the focus can return to Jerusalem as a secure dwelling, an eternal home. For, as verse 21 says, the LORD will be there in His power among us! His goodness is portrayed through rivers (Ez. 47:1, Ps. 46:5; Rev. 22:1-3), but no enemy boats will be able to sail upon them (v.23).

The LORD is the Redeemer, the King, the Judge of His people! No one will know sickness, for the people live from forgiveness! Here, in Old Testament language, we hear the blessings of the New Jerusalem for all who take refuge in the blood of Jesus Christ and receive forgiveness for their iniquities!

Is the church already a safe place?       

Sing: Ps. 29:3