Isaiah 65:17-25
Resurrection Sunday, Year C
🌅 The World God Dreams
📖 Isaiah 65:17–25
Resurrection Sunday, Year C
What if resurrection isn’t just about escaping this world—but about renewing it?
In today’s Old Testament reading, Isaiah doesn’t offer a map to heaven. He offers a vision of a new heaven and a new earth, where weeping is no more, lifespans stretch long, and even predators make peace.
It’s not just a prophecy—it’s a preview of resurrection reality.
🕰️ Context: Setting the Scene
Isaiah 65 comes from a section often called “Third Isaiah”—a prophetic voice to those returning from exile. This passage is filled with hope, restoration, and a holy imagination for a healed world.
🕯️ Literary Context:
This chapter stands near the end of Isaiah, offering a sweeping vision of renewal. Unlike earlier chapters filled with judgment, here the prophet speaks of creation transformed.
This is no abstract utopia. The details are concrete: people live long lives, homes are secure, labor is fruitful, children are safe, and even wolves and lambs dwell together.
It echoes Genesis (creation), Leviticus (justice), and anticipates Revelation (new heaven/new earth). In this poetic tapestry, God isn’t abandoning creation—God is recreating it.
🌍 Historical Context:
Isaiah 65 was likely written for Israelites returning from exile, trying to rebuild their lives in a devastated land. Their reality was disappointment—but the prophet paints a future of radical restoration.
In their weariness, Isaiah gives them something more than optimism: a prophetic imagination of joy, justice, and peace. It’s a vision of what resurrection looks like when it moves beyond the grave and into every corner of life.
📖 Isaiah 65:17–25 (NLT)
17 “Look! I am creating new heavens and a new earth,
and no one will even think about the old ones anymore.18 Be glad; rejoice forever in my creation!
And look! I will create Jerusalem as a place of happiness.
Her people will be a source of joy.19 I will rejoice over Jerusalem and delight in my people.
And the sound of weeping and crying will be heard in it no more.20 “No longer will babies die when only a few days old.
No longer will adults die before they have lived a full life.
No longer will people be considered old at one hundred!
Only the cursed will die that young!21 In those days people will live in the houses they build
and eat the fruit of their own vineyards.22 Unlike the past, invaders will not take their houses
and confiscate their vineyards.
For my people will live as long as trees,
and my chosen ones will have time to enjoy their hard-won gains.23 They will not work in vain,
and their children will not be doomed to misfortune.
For they are people blessed by the Lord,
and their children, too, will be blessed.24 I will answer them before they even call to me.
While they are still talking about their needs,
I will go ahead and answer their prayers!25 The wolf and the lamb will feed together.
The lion will eat hay like a cow.
But the snakes will eat dust.
In those days no one will be hurt or destroyed on my holy mountain.
I, the Lord, have spoken!”
🎧 Listen or Explore the Passage:
💡 Key Insights
Resurrection is Cosmic - This passage expands resurrection beyond the personal. It’s not just a soul that’s saved—it’s everything that’s being remade.
Justice is Physical - Houses, vineyards, safety—these aren’t metaphors. God cares about real, material life. Resurrection is not escape—it’s restoration.
Peace Includes Creation - The peace here extends to animals. Wolves and lambs eat together. Resurrection reconciles not just people but all living things.
🔁 Sacred Practice
Sit with this vision using Lectio Divina:
Read – Slowly read Isaiah 65:17–25.
Reflect – What image or phrase stirs your longing?
Respond – What part of your world needs resurrection?
Rest – Imagine yourself living in the world God dreams.
❓ Jesus-Centered Questions
What does this passage teach me about God’s hope for the world?
How does resurrection show up in the ordinary?
Where is God calling me to participate in re-creation?
How can I live as if this new world is already breaking in?
📚 Reflections & Resources
Commentary: Working Preacher – Isaiah 65
💬 Want to Reflect Together?
What image in this passage captured your heart?
How do you long to see God’s dream made real?
Let’s talk in the comments—or share this vision with someone who needs hope.
🧵 Connect the Threads
Other Easter readings:
How do these passages intersect to reveal the Good News?
🔊 Weekly Practice Invitation
Take five minutes each day this week to imagine:
What does God’s new creation look like in your neighborhood?
Write or draw your response. Resurrection begins right where you are.