Isaiah delivered some strong and difficult words to God’s people. He also penned some of the greatest prophecies of the coming Messiah and His Kingdom. Central to all God did in His people was the city of Jerusalem. It is a city with the richest history in the world, but a city of contention and unrest.

Several years ago I walked her streets and observed her demeanor. Glimpses of the past and visions of the future can both be seen in moments. Rabbinical grandfathers at the wailing wall in prayer, and teen-aged soldiers carrying machine guns over their shoulder at every street corner can be seen daily. And yet, there was an underlying anticipation of how God will wrap it all up and bring the end of normal life as we know it … to use Isaiah’s expression, “That day.”

Many people will say, “Come, let us go up to the mountain of the Lord, to the temple of the God of Jacob … Zion … Jerusalem.” [Is. 2:3]

I shall see you again, City of God.

READ/LISTEN: Isaiah 1-3