Note for 20250909 - Isaiah 60 - City Ahead

 


Daily Devotional

Note for 20250909 - Isaiah 60 - City Ahead


1. Opening

There are a few ways in which you can partake in the Daily Devotional:


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We are to receive the Word of GOD by the Spirit, so I strongly urge you to pray before you receive the Devotional. Let Christ take the lead in your Spiritual Development.


Introduction:

While the world is constantly bringing bad news, and one nation wants to devour another; as they speak of all out control of the masses, and natural disasters coming upon the earth.... Remember this, shared with you today, too.


2. Scripture Text

Isaiah 60:1-22 KJV

[1] Arise, shine; for thy light is come, and the glory of the LORD is risen upon thee. [2] For, behold, the darkness shall cover the earth, and gross darkness the people: but the LORD shall arise upon thee, and his glory shall be seen upon thee. [3] And the Gentiles shall come to thy light, and kings to the brightness of thy rising. [4] Lift up thine eyes round about, and see: all they gather themselves together, they come to thee: thy sons shall come from far, and thy daughters shall be nursed at thy side. [5] Then thou shalt see, and flow together, and thine heart shall fear, and be enlarged; because the abundance of the sea shall be converted unto thee, the forces of the Gentiles shall come unto thee. [6] The multitude of camels shall cover thee, the dromedaries of Midian and Ephah; all they from Sheba shall come: they shall bring gold and incense; and they shall shew forth the praises of the LORD. [7] All the flocks of Kedar shall be gathered together unto thee, the rams of Nebaioth shall minister unto thee: they shall come up with acceptance on mine altar, and I will glorify the house of my glory. [8] Who are these that fly as a cloud, and as the doves to their windows? [9] Surely the isles shall wait for me, and the ships of Tarshish first, to bring thy sons from far, their silver and their gold with them, unto the name of the LORD thy God, and to the Holy One of Israel, because he hath glorified thee. [10] And the sons of strangers shall build up thy walls, and their kings shall minister unto thee: for in my wrath I smote thee, but in my favour have I had mercy on thee. [11] Therefore thy gates shall be open continually; they shall not be shut day nor night; that men may bring unto thee the forces of the Gentiles, and that their kings may be brought. [12] For the nation and kingdom that will not serve thee shall perish; yea, those nations shall be utterly wasted. [13] The glory of Lebanon shall come unto thee, the fir tree, the pine tree, and the box together, to beautify the place of my sanctuary; and I will make the place of my feet glorious. [14] The sons also of them that afflicted thee shall come bending unto thee; and all they that despised thee shall bow themselves down at the soles of thy feet; and they shall call thee, The city of the LORD, The Zion of the Holy One of Israel. [15] Whereas thou hast been forsaken and hated, so that no man went through thee, I will make thee an eternal excellency, a joy of many generations. [16] Thou shalt also suck the milk of the Gentiles, and shalt suck the breast of kings: and thou shalt know that I the LORD am thy Saviour and thy Redeemer, the mighty One of Jacob. [17] For brass I will bring gold, and for iron I will bring silver, and for wood brass, and for stones iron: I will also make thy officers peace, and thine exactors righteousness. [18] Violence shall no more be heard in thy land, wasting nor destruction within thy borders; but thou shalt call thy walls Salvation, and thy gates Praise. [19] The sun shall be no more thy light by day; neither for brightness shall the moon give light unto thee: but the LORD shall be unto thee an everlasting light, and thy God thy glory. [20] Thy sun shall no more go down; neither shall thy moon withdraw itself: for the LORD shall be thine everlasting light, and the days of thy mourning shall be ended. [21] Thy people also shall be all righteous: they shall inherit the land for ever, the branch of my planting, the work of my hands, that I may be glorified. [22] A little one shall become a thousand, and a small one a strong nation: I the LORD will hasten it in his time.

https://bible.com/bible/1/isa.60.1-22.KJV


3. Devotional Reflection

This is the prophesied future of Jerusalem and the nation of the LORD. And wouldn't you know it, that the nations will bring their substance into it.

Isaiah 60:14 KJV

[14] The sons also of them that afflicted thee shall come bending unto thee; and all they that despised thee shall bow themselves down at the soles of thy feet; and they shall call thee, The city of the LORD, The Zion of the Holy One of Israel.

https://bible.com/bible/1/isa.60.14.KJV

Revelation 21:24 KJV

[24] And the nations of them which are saved shall walk in the light of it: and the kings of the earth do bring their glory and honour into it. 

https://bible.com/bible/1/rev.21.24.KJV


Both, from Isaiah and Revelation; who are these? And friends, this is after the White Throne judgement.

Revelation 21:8 KJV

[8] But the fearful, and unbelieving, and the abominable, and murderers, and whoremongers, and sorcerers, and idolaters, and all liars, shall have their part in the lake which burneth with fire and brimstone: which is the second death.

https://bible.com/bible/1/rev.21.8.KJV


No wonder so many want to claim the birth rights of Abraham, Isaac and Jacob. But still, who are these that bring in their substance into the City of GOD, and who are those that suffer the second death? Remember, this is also after Satan was loosed to draw the four quarters of the earth after him to make war against the rule of Christ in Jerusalem. The Word speaks of a New Heaven and a New Earth and the New City of Jerusalem descending from Heaven in Revelation 21. Yet, who are these saved nations, even those that hated Israel, to bow at their feet? This here, is those of a new day, an eternal day.


There are a few lines in Isaiah 60 that sound strange from our current perspective.

Isaiah 60:8 KJV

[8] Who are these that fly as a cloud, and as the doves to their windows? 

https://bible.com/bible/1/isa.60.8.KJV


Fly? Now friends, either these are not from mankind, or these are using some form of flying devices. Now, we know from scripture some strange sights recorded by the likes of Elisha who witnessed Elijah's departure to GOD in Heaven (2 Kings 2:11), even of fiery chariots, and wheels-within-wheels Ezekiel saw (Ezekiel 1:16). And so, my concern is always for those that may go after a false messiah that was prophesied, showing lying signs and wonders. Even as they (the scientists) are monitoring the approach of Atlas 3I in all of its strangeness. And that, as Israel approaches a significant feast day.


Friends, the scope of a related Bible Study on this topic of the City Ahead is enormous. And that, from all appearances, on the far side of the 1000 years of peace with Christ ruling on earth and the White Throne judgment. That is even beyond the establishment of the Kingdom of Jesus Christ on Earth, which follows the deliverance of Israel and the Church of Jesus Christ. It is beyond a catastrophic judgment coming upon the earth, where the inhabitants of the earth are thinned. It is a lifetime of Bible study, while Jesus said not to concern us with the day of tomorrow.


Oh, we know this too, that wasted places will be rebuilt:


Isaiah 58:12 KJV

[12] And they that shall be of thee shall build the old waste places: thou shalt raise up the foundations of many generations; and thou shalt be called, The repairer of the breach, The restorer of paths to dwell in.

https://bible.com/bible/1/isa.58.12.KJV


And even more from an upcoming chapter...


Isaiah 61:4 KJV

[4] And they shall build the old wastes, they shall raise up the former desolations, and they shall repair the waste cities, the desolations of many generations. 

https://bible.com/bible/1/isa.61.4.KJV


The future of mankind stands in the domain of GOD, and He is the ruler of that which is to come. The study of this is enormous, and in a quest of knowledge, it can be followed or we can trust in the LORD our GOD, and His favorable promises in this regard. Nevertheless, the LORD will educate those with a calling for it. But, it is in all these things that I have become convinced that there is a future for man on Earth, even a renewed Earth, or all together New, for the City of GOD will come to Earth and GOD will make His abode with us, once the wicked elements are removed.


I must admit, that my own knowledge on this topic is still lacking, and to a certain degree, I think it might just be by purpose. In the changing of times and seasons, I have learned that April 1st used to be the date of New Year, that Israel kept a lunar calendar and that the Sun and moon will later not give its light, when the LORD becomes the Light. All these matters exceed my capacity of understanding and of learning in the time period of a generation that I was given to by the LORD. But, it does not concern me all that much, for far better is it to learn about the LORD of all this, and to trust Him in all.


If the LORD is my LORD on this day, and if I walk towards Him day-by-day, then will He be my LORD every day that He gives me, even unto eternity, if it pleases Him.


What I have learned is that man speaks of things he cannot know, for it remains in the domain of GOD. As today is determined by GOD, so will be the case tomorrow, if tomorrow comes for me at all, still will it remain for those who remain by the will of GOD.


4. Verse of the Day

From the YouVersion Bible App

John 14:1 KJV

[1]  Let not your heart be troubled: ye believe in God, believe also in me. 

https://bible.com/bible/1/jhn.14.1.KJV


5. Optional Reading / Study Expansion

City Study Trail

It is not by chance that the reading for today and the Verse of the Day lines up as it does. We are guided to see something we might not have considered before. For those that want to dive in a little bit deeper in this alignment of scripture, there is so much more to be found. I have put together a bit of a trail for you, but know that even this is still just in part. However, it might just wet your appetite to study the Word of GOD more.


Let us start from the Verse of the Day, in context, as it joins up with the look at the City Ahead:

:

John 14:1-31 KJV

[1]  Let not your heart be troubled: ye believe in God, believe also in me. [2] In my Father's house are many mansions: if it were not so, I would have told you. I go to prepare a place for you. [3] And if I go and prepare a place for you, I will come again, and receive you unto myself; that where I am, there ye may be also. [4] And whither I go ye know, and the way ye know. [5] Thomas saith unto him, Lord, we know not whither thou goest; and how can we know the way? [6] Jesus saith unto him, I am the way, the truth, and the life: no man cometh unto the Father, but by me. [7] If ye had known me, ye should have known my Father also: and from henceforth ye know him, and have seen him. [8] Philip saith unto him, Lord, shew us the Father, and it sufficeth us. [9] Jesus saith unto him, Have I been so long time with you, and yet hast thou not known me, Philip? he that hath seen me hath seen the Father; and how sayest thou then, Shew us the Father? [10] Believest thou not that I am in the Father, and the Father in me? the words that I speak unto you I speak not of myself: but the Father that dwelleth in me, he doeth the works. [11] Believe me that I am in the Father, and the Father in me: or else believe me for the very works' sake. [12] Verily, verily, I say unto you, He that believeth on me, the works that I do shall he do also; and greater works than these shall he do; because I go unto my Father. [13] And whatsoever ye shall ask in my name, that will I do, that the Father may be glorified in the Son. [14] If ye shall ask any thing in my name, I will do it. [15]  If ye love me, keep my commandments. [16] And I will pray the Father, and he shall give you another Comforter, that he may abide with you for ever; [17] even the Spirit of truth; whom the world cannot receive, because it seeth him not, neither knoweth him: but ye know him; for he dwelleth with you, and shall be in you. [18] I will not leave you comfortless: I will come to you. [19] Yet a little while, and the world seeth me no more; but ye see me: because I live, ye shall live also. [20] At that day ye shall know that I am in my Father, and ye in me, and I in you. [21] He that hath my commandments, and keepeth them, he it is that loveth me: and he that loveth me shall be loved of my Father, and I will love him, and will manifest myself to him. [22] Judas saith unto him, not Iscariot, Lord, how is it that thou wilt manifest thyself unto us, and not unto the world? [23] Jesus answered and said unto him, If a man love me, he will keep my words: and my Father will love him, and we will come unto him, and make our abode with him. [24] He that loveth me not keepeth not my sayings: and the word which ye hear is not mine, but the Father's which sent me. [25]  These things have I spoken unto you, being yet present with you. [26] But the Comforter, which is the Holy Ghost, whom the Father will send in my name, he shall teach you all things, and bring all things to your remembrance, whatsoever I have said unto you. [27] Peace I leave with you, my peace I give unto you: not as the world giveth, give I unto you. Let not your heart be troubled, neither let it be afraid. [28] Ye have heard how I said unto you, I go away, and come again unto you. If ye loved me, ye would rejoice, because I said, I go unto the Father: for my Father is greater than I. [29] And now I have told you before it come to pass, that, when it is come to pass, ye might believe. [30] Hereafter I will not talk much with you: for the prince of this world cometh, and hath nothing in me. [31] But that the world may know that I love the Father; and as the Father gave me commandment, even so I do. Arise, let us go hence.

https://bible.com/bible/1/jhn.14.1-31.KJV


In John 14, Jesus gives more than just a vision of the “City Ahead,” He also gives what it is that will get us to enter into that city. But, as I said above, this is a deep dive study for deeper knowledge on the topic. Below, I will give you a list so you can follow the trail.


Abraham’s Vision of the City

  • Hebrews 11:8–16 — Abraham looked for a city “whose builder and maker is God”2

  • Hebrews 12:22–24 — Describes the heavenly Jerusalem, the city of the living God

  • Genesis 12 & 15 — God’s covenant with Abraham, promising a land and a future


Prophetic Visions of the City

  • Isaiah 60 — Anchor chapter: Zion’s future glory (I suggest reading Ch 61 too)

  • Isaiah 62 — Jerusalem’s vindication and new name

  • Ezekiel 40–48 — Vision of the restored temple and city layout

  • Zechariah 8 — God’s promise to dwell in Jerusalem again


New Testament Fulfillment & Revelation

  • John 14:1–3 — Jesus prepares a place for us (already in by the Verse of the Day expanded above)

  • Revelation 21–22 — The New Jerusalem descending from heaven

  • Galatians 4:26 — “Jerusalem which is above is free, which is the mother of us all”


6. Closing Paragraph

It seems like this world is heading to a different place in their viewpoint, where the kingdoms of man may be glorified, which is a recurrence of their rebellion against GOD at the Tower of Babel.(Genesis 10:8-10 & Genesis 11:1-9) According to the Word of GOD, there will be some success in this venture for a short while (Daniel 7:21-22, 8:23-25 and Revelation 13:5-7), but we know Who wins in the End and that was the subject of our devotional today.


Let your heart not be troubled, believe in GOD and believe in Jesus Christ.


Selah, Shalom.

7. Resources

Playlists:

Find all playlists compiled on SoundCloud (and feel free to share with your loved ones.) 

Find playlists at: https://soundcloud.com/houseofbread4u/sets


Radio Stations:

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The Stern Watch Radio App

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