A Greater Fulfillment

Our interests in these prophetic words goes beyond their fulfillment upon Jerusalem of old.  Today, Jehovah's heavenly "woman" is represented on earth by "the Israel of God."  (Galatians 6:16)  Over the period of its existence, from Pentecost 33 C.E. until now, this spiritual nation has come to have a total of 144,000 spirit-anointed  members, "who have been bought from the earth" with the prospect of ruling with Christ in heaven.  (Revelation 14:1, 3)  The modern-day fulfillment of Isaiah chapter 60 centers on those of the 144,000 who are alive on earth during "the last days."  (2 Timothy 3:1)  The prophecy also has to do with the companions of these anointed Christians, the "great crowd" of "other sheep." -Revelation 7:9; John 10:11, 16.

For a short time in the early 1900's, those of the Israel of God still on earth found themselves prostrate in darkness, so to speak.  The first world war drew to a close with them in the situation symbolically described in the book of Revelation-their corpses lying " on the broad way of the great city which is in a spiritual sense  called Sodom and Egypt."  (Revelation 11:8)  In 1919,m however, Jehovah shed forth his light upon them.  In response, they stood up and reflected God's light, fearlessly proclaiming the good news of God's Kingdom. -Matthew 5:14-16; 24:14.

Influenced by Satan, chief of "the world rulers of this darkness," mankind in general has rejected the announcement of the royal presence of Jesus Christ.  "the light of the world." (Ephesians 6:12; John 8:12; 2 Corinthians 4:3, 4) Nonetheless, millions have been drawn to Jehovah's light, including "kings" (those who become anointed heirs of the heavenly Kingdom) and "nations"  (the great crowd of other sheep).

Next time: Expansion Causes Heartfelt Joy

From the Book Isaiah's Prophecy Light for all Mankind, Volume II, 2001