The Promise of a Secure Future

In the first fulfillment, what is life to be like for returning Jews under the new heavens?  Jehovah says: "No more will there come to be a suckling a few days old from that place, neither an old man that does not fulfill his days; for one will die as a mere boy, although a hundred years of age; and as for the sinner, although a hundred years of age he will have evil called down upon him."  (Isaiah 65:20) What a beautiful picture of the security that the returning exiles will enjoy in their restored homeland!  Untimely death will  not claim a newborn, who is but a few days old. Neither will such a death take and older man who has not yet lived out a full life span.  How reassuring Isaiah's words are to the Jews who will return to Judah!  Safe in their land, they need no worry that enemies will carry off their babes or slaughter their men.

What do Jehovah's words tell us about life in the new world?  Under God's Kingdom, every child will have the prospect  of a secure future.  Never will death claim a God-fearing man in his prime.  On the contrary, obedient mankind will be safe, secure, able to enjoy life. What of any who choose  to rebel against God?  Such ones  will lose the privilege of life. Even if the rebellious sinner is "a hundred years of age," he will die.  In such a case, he will be "a mere boy" compared to what he could have become-a man with endless life.

Jehovah continues his description of the conditions that will prevail in the restored land of Judah:  "They will certainly build houses and have occupancy; and they will certainly plant vineyards and eat their fruitage.  They will not build and someone else have occupancy; they will not plant and someone else  do the eating. For like the days of a tree will the days of my people be; and the work of their own hands my chosen ones will use to the full." (Isaiah 65:21, 22)  After returning to the desolate and no bout houseless and vineless land of Judah, God's obedient people will have the joy of living in their own homes and of eating the fruitage of their own vineyards. God will bless their work, and they will have long lives-like the days of a tree-in which to enjoy the fruits of their labors.

Next time: Continue with The Promise of a Secure Future

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