If you were to imagine an ideal world, what would that look like?
I think we hear its melody in this video from this year’s Super Bowl:
I feel reasonably sure that what you imagined looks nothing like reality. In fact, I wonder if it’s really even possible, this side of our Lord's return.
God communicated an ideal through Isaiah:
The word that Isaiah the son of Amoz saw concerning Judah and Jerusalem.
It shall come to pass in the latter days that the mountain of the house of the Lord shall be established as the highest of the mountains, and shall be lifted up above the hills; and all the nations shall flow to it, and many peoples shall come, and say: “Come, let us go up to the mountain of the Lord, to the house of the God of Jacob, that he may teach us his ways and that we may walk in his paths. ”For out of Zion shall go forth the law, and the word of the Lord from Jerusalem. He shall judge between the nations, and shall decide disputes for many peoples; and they shall beat their swords into plowshares, and their spears into pruning hooks; nation shall not lift up sword against nation, neither shall they learn war anymore. O house of Jacob, come, let us walk in the light of the Lord.
(Isaiah 2:1-5 ESV)
But Isaiah also communicated their reality in verses 6 through 22:
You, Lord, have abandoned your people, the descendants of Jacob.They are full of superstitions from the East; they practice divination like the Philistines and embrace pagan customs.Their land is full of silver and gold; there is no end to their treasures.Their land is full of horses; there is no end to their chariots. Their land is full of idols; they bow down to the work of their hands, to what their fingers have made.(Isaiah 2:6-8 NIV)
God addressed the cause of their reality: pride. And made a promise regarding such pride.
The haughtiness of man shall be humbled,
and the lofty pride of men shall be brought low,”
(Isaiah 2:17a ESV)
The reality presented in verses 6-22 stemmed from prideful attitudes. The people trusted in man-made constructs instead of God. Verses 7-8 note their pride in wealth, their military, their idols, and in what they made. Hearts are still attached to such things. Or can be used as a flawed standard of measure.
A strong sense of self-reliance, based on pride in one's own abilities and accomplishments, fosters arrogance and assertiveness. Both impede peace. Because peace looks outward in order to promote harmony—not self.
A struggle between the ideal and reality is an inherent aspect of the human experience. Because they are opposed. And their contrast naturally causes tension.
Reality is heavily influenced by our imperfect human condition, which is prone to sin and selfishness. The tension between ideal and reality can be a significant source of discouragement. Often because it's not within our control or directly related to our individual actions. While frustrating, we should not allow it to defeat us. Because the trust we have in God sustains our hope that the ideal is in our future—for all eternity.
As for ideals, there are ideals... and then there are ideals. There are worldly ideals. Ideals formed in the imagination (not necessarily plausible). And vain ideals. These are not necessarily beneficial. Whereas ideals founded upon kingdom values and the will of God are of such beauty and magnificence they bring out the best in us. They set the highest standard for our aspirations. And inspire us toward excellence. Not just to be our best selves but to also better our relationships and environments.
When you look closely at the ideal, you’ll see the picture of peace it paints (Isaiah 2:4)—because it is a masterpiece of the Prince of Peace. His peace brings the peace we cannot generate ourselves.
There are a few repeated phrases in this chapter that capture the reader’s attention; like, “from before the terror of the Lord, and from the splendor of His majesty” is recorded three times. Jesus has delivered His people from ever having to experience such terror (1 Thessalonians 1:10). He is a shield and shelter from the terror of the Holy One of Israel.
Another repeated phrase is, “the Lord alone will be exalted in that day” (verses 11 and 17). Only the Lord is truly worthy of being high and lifted up. Isaiah points out that God will especially be exalted in “that day.” Isaiah pens “that day” 45 times, inked in his scroll more than any other biblical writer.
“That day.” That future day! It's a "latter day," to use New Testament terminology. But don’t get comfortable, because “latter” is not necessarily later. Its timing is unknown. And unknowable. But, in that day, that future day, the Lord will bring about reversal. And God will indeed be exalted. Peace and righteousness will reign. And the ideal will be the reality. For everyone, everywhere.
God presented outcomes from humility and pride in the second chapter of Isaiah, disclosing their impact on reality. He also gave Isaiah a vision of an ideal future of peace for His people—causing hope to soar until God's ideal is finally and fully realized.
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