Isaiah 66:1-24 VOICE

[1] Eternal One: Heaven is My throne, and earth is where I rest My feet. So what kind of structure would you build Me? What man-made space could provide Me a resting place? [2] Everything is the product of My hand-My being and My doing- that's how all you see came to be; I made it all. Nevertheless, I am interested in and concerned about even just one person who is humble and downhearted and trembles at my word. [3] Eternal One: Whoever slaughters an ox without humility is no better than one who kills a man; Whoever sacrifices a lamb without brokenness is no different than one who breaks a dog's neck; Whoever presents a grain offering without fear is no different than one who offers pig's blood; Whoever burns incense without obedience is no better than one who worships an idol. They've made their own choices and seem happy enough with their detestable practices. [4] But I have a choice, too, and I choose to punish them; I will bring on them what they fear most. For when I called, no one answered; when I spoke, they refused to listen. Instead they did all the wrong things and made terrible choices- what I expressly said that I hate. [5] So, if you are one who trembles at His word, listen closely to what the Eternal One has to say: Eternal One: I know that some people, even your own family, reject you because you accept Me, And they're saying, "Let the Eternal receive the honor He deserves, so that we, too, can know your joy." But they'll only know sorrow and shame. [6] Can you hear it? There's a commotion in the city, great rumbling coming from the temple area! Ah, it is the Eternal thundering in to take on His foes. [7] Have you ever heard of a woman who gave birth before she went into labor? Have you ever seen a woman who delivered a son without feeling a thing? Do you think it's possible for the land to go through labor in an instant, or to bear a nation, to be new and strong, in a single day? Nevertheless, Zion suffered only a moment before she gave birth to her children! [9] Will I open the womb and not deliver? I have made this place labor in terrible pain, But do you think I won't help it give birth? That is what I, the Eternal One have to say. [10] Eternal One: So be happy for Jerusalem; give her hearty congratulations, whoever holds her dear. Take part in this joyous celebration, especially if you remember her grief. [11] For you are her children, and she is giving you the milk of comfort and peace. Drink at her comforting breasts with satisfaction that all will be well. [12] I will rain down prosperity on Jerusalem, peace abundant on Zion, and flood her with wealth from all over the world. Like a thundering river, the riches will come down. Like a toddler, you'll be held, carried, nourished, and comforted. [13] As a mother soothes her child, so I will comfort you. And Jerusalem will be so nice, feel so good and safe to you. [14] When you see what I have in store, it will ease your mind and lift your heart; you will flourish like the grass! The Eternal's power will be clearly evident to His servants; but His rage will be unleashed against His enemies. [15] Look now, the Eternal is coming with a vengeance that scorches all His foes with flames of fire; Whooshing like a whirlwind, His chariots rush with punishing fury. [16] God comes with fiery anger and flashing sword. The Eternal One will execute His judgment, And many people will die on that day. [17] Eternal One: Those who perform sanctifying and purifying rituals to serve false gods in gardens, and then proceed to do whatever they see the leader do-eating impure things such as pigs, snakes, and rats-won't live to do it again. This is My word to you. [18] Because I know what and why they do what they do, the time is coming when I will bring people together from all over the world. Everyone will come here and have a chance to see and know who I am, in all My weighty significance and splendor. [19] I will put a sign among them and send the survivors of My people to Tarshish, Put, and Lud (where those great archers live), from Tubal east of Lud, and Javan, which is near it. I'll bring them here from places so far away that they've never heard My name, much less had a chance to see My glory. But they'll hear about Me, far and wide among the nations. [20] And they will bring the surviving members of your family back as if they are a grain offering from all the nations. They'll come by every conceivable means-on horse, camel, donkey, or mule, in wagons or litters-they'll come to Jerusalem, My holy mountain. They will be delivered just as the Israelites bring their grain offerings to Me in a clean container at the temple. [21] And out of those who return, I will make priests and Levites. This is My word to you. [22] Because just as the new heavens and the new earth that I am making will go on by My enduring will, So your name and the people who come from you will go on as well. [23] From one month to the next, on Sabbath after Sabbath, everyone, every living thing, will come to this holy place To honor Me as God of all. This is My word to you. [24] They'll visit the site where the people who rejected Me lie rotting on the ground, crawling with worms that never die on a fire that just keeps smoldering. All who see it will recoil at the horrible sight.