Connect Isaiah 65:25 with Revelation 21:4's vision of a restored creation. The Big Picture of Renewal • Isaiah 65:25 and Revelation 21:4 function like two windows looking out on the same glorious landscape—the fully restored creation God promises. • Both texts sit in larger passages that speak of “new heavens and a new earth” (Isaiah 65:17; Revelation 21:1). • Scripture presents this future not as poetic symbolism alone, but as the literal outcome of God’s redemptive plan, anchored in the historical resurrection of Christ (1 Corinthians 15:20-23). What Isaiah 65:25 Shows Us “ ‘The wolf and the lamb will feed together, the lion will eat straw like the ox, and dust will be the serpent’s food. They will neither harm nor destroy on all My holy mountain,’ says the LORD.” Key observations • Predator and prey coexist peacefully—real animals, real harmony. • The serpent—symbol of the Fall—remains humbled (“dust will be the serpent’s food”), signaling evil’s final defeat. • God’s “holy mountain” points to Zion made perfect, the epicenter of worldwide peace. Supporting passages • Isaiah 11:6-9 describes identical animal peace and explicitly links it to “the knowledge of the LORD.” • Hosea 2:18 foretells a covenant that removes violence from “the beasts of the field.” What Revelation 21:4 Adds “ ‘He will wipe away every tear from their eyes,’ and there will be no more death or mourning or crying or pain, for the former things have passed away.” Key observations • Emotional wounds healed—every tear personally wiped away by God. • Physical decay ended—“no more death.” • Universal wholeness—no sorrow, no pain, because the entire old order of suffering is gone. Supporting passages • Revelation 22:3, “No longer will there be any curse.” • 2 Peter 3:13, “In keeping with His promise we are looking forward to a new heaven and a new earth, where righteousness dwells.” How the Two Passages Interlock • Isaiah 65:25 focuses on the earth’s creatures; Revelation 21:4 focuses on humanity’s deepest hurts. Together they portray total shalom—peace in every realm. • Both center on God’s direct action: “says the LORD” (Isaiah) and “He will wipe away” (Revelation). The same covenant-keeping God guarantees both scenes. • The harmony Isaiah sees among animals echoes the removal of pain and death John records; both flow from the curse reversed (Genesis 3:17-19 → Revelation 22:3). Creation’s Liberation and Human Redemption Romans 8:21-23 ties the fate of creation to the children of God: “Creation itself will be set free from its bondage to decay into the glorious freedom of the children of God… we ourselves groan as we await our adoption, the redemption of our bodies.” • When believers receive resurrected bodies, the rest of creation is simultaneously renewed. • Isaiah shows the animal world flourishing; Revelation shows resurrected people living fully alive—one synchronized moment of liberation. Living in Light of the Promise • Confidence: God’s track record of fulfilled prophecy assures us these future scenes are certain, not wishful thinking. • Perspective: Present trials are temporary—“these light and momentary afflictions are producing for us an eternal weight of glory” (2 Corinthians 4:17). • Stewardship: Because God values His creation enough to restore it, we honor Him today by caring responsibly for people, animals, and environment. • Hope-filled proclamation: The coming renewed world gives urgency and joy to the gospel we share (Acts 3:19-21). Conclusion: One Story, One Goal Isaiah 65:25 and Revelation 21:4 bookend the Bible’s narrative: God’s good world, marred by sin, will be made better than new. The Prince of Peace who calms the wolf and lamb is the same Savior who dries every tear. His victory is comprehensive, literal, and certain—and it is nearer each day. |
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