A Healing

This section of Isaiah's prophecy concludes with a heartwarming promise:  "No resident will say:  'I am sick.'  The people that are dwelling in the land will be those pardoned for their error."  (Isaiah 33:24)  The sickness that Isaiah speaks of is primarily spiritual, for it is connected  with sin, or "error."  In the first application of these words, Jehovah promises that  after their release from Babylonian captivity, the nation will be healed spiritually.  (Isaiah 35:5, 6; Jeremiah 33:6; compare Psalm 103:1-5)  Having been forgiven for their former sins, the returning Jews will reestablish pure worship in Jerusalem.

However, Isaiah's prophecy has a modern fulfillment.  Jehovah's people today have also enjoyed a spiritual healing.  They have been liberated from such false teachings as the immorality of the soul, the Trinity, and hellfire. They receive moral guidance, freeing them from immoral  practices and helping them to make good decision.  and thanks to the ransom  sacrifice of Jesus Christ, they have a clean standing before God and enjoy a clean conscience.  ( Colossians 1:3, 14; 1 Peter 2:24; 1 John 4:10)  This spiritual healing has physical benefits.  For example, avoiding immoral sex and the use of tobacco products protects Christians against sexually transmitted diseases and certain forms of cancer. -1 Corinthians  6:18; 2 Corinthians 7:1.

Moreover, there will be a grander fulfillment of the words of Isaiah  33:24 after Armageddon, in God's new world.  Under the rulership of the Messianic Kingdom, humans will experience  a great physical healing along  with their spiritual healing.  (Revelation 21:3, 4)  Shortly after the destruction of Satan's  system of things, miracles like those that Jesus performed while on earth will no doubt take place on a global scale.  The blind will see, the deaf will hear, the lame will walk! (Isaiah 35:5, 6)  This will allow all survivors of the great tribulation  to share in the grand work of bringing the earth to a paradisiac condition. 

Later, when the resurrection begins, those coming back to life will no doubt be raised to good health. (We will have a new body)  But as the value of the ransom sacrifice is applied to an increasing extent, more physical benefits will ensue, until  mankind is lifted  to perfection.  Then, righteous ones will "come to life" in the fullest sense.  (Revelation 20:5, 6) At that time, in both a spiritual and a physical way, "No resident will say:  'I am sick.' "  What an exciting promise!  may all true worshipers today resolve to be among those who will experience  fulfillment!

Next time: Jehovah Pours Out Indignation Upon the Nations, Chapter Twenty-Seven

From the Book Isaiah's Prophecy Light for all Mankind, 2000