“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” (Isaiah 60:10).
TEXT — Isaiah 60:1-22
Message
Many people regard the prophecy of Christ’s return as both incomprehensible and unlikely. But that is because their hearts are still darkened and unable to contemplate the essence of Christ’s Second Coming. Simply put, “the natural man receiveth not the things of the Spirit of God: for they are foolishness unto him: neither can he know them, because they are spiritually discerned” (1 Corinthians 2:14).
Isaiah prophesies the glorious transformation of Israel at the second advent of Christ. Previously, he had declared their sinfulness, which made them lost God’s favour, and became impoverished, and risked total destruction. However, with repentance would come a restoration to divine favour, so that under the reign of the Messiah, Jerusalem would radiate God’s glory. The people would receive spiritual light, abundant wealth, beauty, influence and excitement.
Although the bulk of the predictions by Isaiah will be fulfilled in the millennium, believers can enjoy most of the blessings today. We can shine forth God’s glory as we evangelise the world. Our lives will radiate the light of God in a world covered with the darkness of ignorance and unrighteousness.
The most significant event that believers are waiting for is the rapture. After this, there shall be a seven-year rule of the Antichrist. He will deceive the world and unleash a reign of terror on humanity, compelling people to take the mark of the beast. But his rule shall end abruptly when Christ will return with the saints to take over the earth. The saints shall rule with Him, while Satan shall be chained and imprisoned for a thousand years. You can be part of Christ’s millennial reign if only you turn away from all sins and receive Him today as your Lord and Saviour.
Thought for the day
Those who desire to reign with Christ must be ruled by His commandments.
Listed among “500 most powerful people on the planet” by the Foreign Policy magazine in 2013, Pastor (Dr.) William F. Kumuyi is the founder and General Superintendent of the Deeper Christian Life Ministry (DCLM) headquartered in Lagos, Nigeria. DCLM started in 1973 as a 15-member Bible study group right in Kumuyi’s apartment at University of Lagos where he was a lecturer. His revolutionary Bible teaching on personal holiness and commitment to evangelism soon gained so much traction and resulted in a widespread revival.
