Lesson 14

God didn’t leave his Old Testament followers with no hope for the future. Other scriptures describe a coming utopian life where God rules the world. God tells his people to hide from his coming wrath for a little while until their dead bodies live again in a future recreated world that he will rule. 

Isaiah 26:19-21 Evangelical Heritage Version

19 But your dead ones will live. Their dead bodies will rise. Wake up and sing for joy, you who dwell in the dust, because your dew will glisten like morning light, and the earth will give up the spirits of the dead.

20 Go, my people, go into your rooms, and shut the doors behind you. Hide yourselves for a little while, until his wrath has passed over.

21 Look! The Lord is coming out of his place to deal with the guilt of those who live on the earth. Then the earth will reveal the blood shed on it. It will no longer cover those who have been killed.

Isaiah 65:17-25 Modern English Version The New Creation

17 For I create new heavens and a new earth; the former things shall not be remembered or come to mind. 18 But be glad and rejoice forever in that which I create; for I create Jerusalem for rejoicing and her people for joy. 19 I will rejoice in Jerusalem and be glad in My people; and the voice of weeping shall no longer be heard in her, nor the voice of crying. 20 There shall no longer be an infant who lives only a few days nor an old man who has not filled out his days. For the child shall die a hundred years old, but the sinner being a hundred years old shall be accursed.

21 They shall build houses and inhabit them; and they shall plant vineyards and eat the fruit of them. 22 They shall not build and another inhabit; they shall not plant and another eat; for as the days of a tree are the days of My people, and My chosen ones shall long enjoy the work of their hands. 23 They shall not labor in vain nor bring forth children for trouble; for they are the descendants of the blessed of the Lord and their offspring with them. 24 Before they call, I will answer; and while they are yet speaking, I will hear. 25 The wolf and the lamb shall feed together, and the lion shall eat straw like the bull, and dust shall be the serpent’s food. They shall not hurt nor destroy in all My holy mountain, says the Lord.

What thoughts do you have about living in a world like that? Where can people safely hide until God’s future rule begins? Provide reasoning for your beliefs.