Judgment isn't the end of the story. Verses 2-6 picture a restoration of cleaned and redeemed people. I focused on descriptors in these verses.
· beautiful and glorious,
· Those who are left ... will be called holy,
· The Lord will wash away the filth
· a cloud of smoke by day and a glow of flaming fire by night; over everything ... It will be a shelter and shade from the heat of the day, and a refuge and hiding place from the storm and rain.
The last descriptor is reminiscent of the protection God gave to the people of Israel as they fled Egypt following the Passover. The cloud of smoke and fire by night was a manifestation of God's presence that guided and protected the people for the 40 years in the wilderness.
God is restoring things... His protection will again be over His people.
The judgment of the last day will purge and cleanse His people so His joy can be restored in fullness and completeness.
Oh, to long for the day when God restores all things. Until then I need to live as a child of God, a righteous one obedient to Jesus and following the Lord with heart and soul and mind and strength.
Oh, God, give me the strength I need to honor You all the days of my life. I pray in Jesus' name. Amen.
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