Isaiah tells us much about the “last days”. That is when Jesus will return in glory—His second advent. First He came as Savior, then He will come as Judge.
There was a lady who became very disgruntled with God as she got older and it became more and more apparent that Jesus was not going to return before her departure from this life. We shouldn’t think critically of her, though. From St. Paul’s writings it is pretty clear that he also thought that Jesus would return before his death. What does this mean—is Jesus not going to return after all? No, it just means that the right time has not yet come. Jesus told the apostles that in His human nature even He did not know the exact hour of His second appearance, but He also assured them that it would come! As the history of our world hurries along its way, it becomes a little clearer each decade that we are getting closer to the last days. In our lesson today Isaiah talks little about the judgment to come. His message concentrates on the spiritual unity that will flourish when Jesus returns. Peace will at last cover the planet and many nations will stream to the mountain of Jerusalem to see the Lord and hear His word. That picture was a wonderful encouragement for the Jews of Isaiah’s time who were about to be exiled as punishment for their disobedience. It is a wonderful encouragement for us too. We will be there to see Jesus no matter what year He comes.
Isaiah’s final words in this passage tell us what we are to do while we wait for the Lord. He says, “Come, house of Jacob, and let us walk in the light of the LORD.” (verse 5) In response to the hope of the coming time of peace and glory, Isaiah prayed that his rebellious countrymen would flee from sin and back into God’s arms. Though we are safe in God’s arms, we also must “walk in the light of the Lord.” He has much for us to do before His return.
Learn more about Jesus’ first coming and second coming in a Bible study this week. A message from your Iowa District West Education Committee
First Sunday of Advent Isaiah 2:1-5
1. It’s Advent! “Advent” means “to come.” How is this theme expressed in this text by prophet Isaiah?
2. Isaiah takes us to the mountains. Where is the “mountain of the Lord”? From your own experience what is it like to go to the mountains? What is it like to go to the “mountain of the Lord”?
3. What message is given by the pictures “swords into plowshares” and “spears into pruning hooks”? What do these pictures have to do with the Messiah?
4. Advent is also a season of light. What invitation comes to us in vs. 7? Who is The Light of the season?
5. Our Old Testament lessons for the Advent season will come from the book of Isaiah. Who is this “son of Amoz” (vs. 1)? When did he prophecy? How did God call him (see Isaiah 6:1- 8)?
6. How will the light of Advent shine in your home? How can this be a special time of preparation for your family
