Isaiah saw clearly the coming into the world of a Saviour. He also saw the consequences for what people had done to God’s earth. In these passages we see a futuristic picture of the devastation of the whole world which man has ruined. The cause is that man has rebelled against God and his rightful reign over creation. Rebellion undermines reign.

There is hope, however, because God has done something which he planned long ago. He sent Jesus Christ to overthrow evil. Jesus came so that God’s plan, which has been revealed in the Scriptures, could be fulfilled. This has been accomplished through the cross in Jesus death and resurrection. For all who trust in him there is a wonderful reason to look ahead. Isaiah says ‘let us rejoice and be glad in his salvation’.

When was the last time that we were so in honour of God’s love and faithfulness that we could sing and give thanks like we find in the second part of this passage. Isaiah says about God ‘ for you have worked wonders’. The best thing about the complete fulfillment of God’s plan is that he will be there with all his people who have waited for him.