Royalty and Ruin

The Captivity Brought “Good News” to Many

God gave the prophet a revelation of His plan for a greater good in scattering unrepentant Judah among the nations of earth. “My people shall know My name,” the Lord declared. Isaiah 52:6. In their exile they were to give to others a knowledge of the living God. Many among the strangers were to learn to love Him as their Creator and Redeemer; they were to begin to observe His holy Sabbath as a memorial of His creative power. “All the ends of the earth shall see the salvation of our God.” Verse 10. Many of these converts from heathenism would unite with the Israelites and go with them on the return journey to Judea. Ever after they would be counted among spiritual Israel—His church on earth. RR 134.4

“The sons of the foreigner who join themselves to the Lord, to serve Him, and to love the name of the Lord, to be His servants—everyone who keeps from defiling the Sabbath, and holds fast My covenant—even them I will bring to My holy mountain, and make them joyful in My house of prayer. ... For My house shall be called a house of prayer for all nations.” Isaiah 56:6, 7. RR 135.1

God allowed the prophet to look down the centuries to the coming of the promised Messiah. Many were being led astray by false teachers; others were not bringing true holiness into their daily living. The outlook seemed hopeless. But soon a wondrous vision spread before the eyes of the prophet. He saw the Sun of Righteousness, and in wondrous admiration he exclaimed, “The people who walked in darkness have seen a great light; those who dwelt in the land of the shadow of death, upon them a light has shined.” Isaiah 9:2. RR 135.2

This glorious Light of the world was to bring salvation to every nation and people. The prophet heard the eternal Father declare, “It is too small a thing that You should be My servant to raise up the tribes of Jacob, and to restore the preserved ones of Israel; I will also give You as a light to the Gentiles, that You should be My salvation to the ends of the earth.” Isaiah 49:6; see also verses 8, 9, 12. RR 135.3

Looking on still farther through the ages, the prophet saw the bearers of salvation’s glad tidings going to the ends of the earth. He heard the commission, “Enlarge the place of your tent, and let them stretch out the curtains of your dwellings; do not spare; lengthen your cords, and strengthen your stakes. For ... your descendants will inherit the nations.” Isaiah 54:2, 3. RR 135.4

How beautiful upon the mountains
Are the feet of him who brings good news, ...
Who proclaims salvation,
Who says to Zion,
“Your God reigns!” Isaiah 52:7 RR 135.5

Isaiah heard the voice of God calling, that the way might be prepared to usher in His everlasting kingdom. The message was plain. RR 135.6

Arise, shine;
For your light has come!
And the glory of the Lord is risen upon you.
For, behold, the darkness shall cover the earth,
And deep darkness the people;
But the Lord will arise over you,
And His glory will be seen upon you.
The Gentiles shall come to your light,
And kings to the brightness of your rising.
“Look to Me, and be saved,
All you ends of the earth!
For I am God, and there is no other.” Isaiah 60:1-3; 45:22 RR 135.7