Brian Newman on Isaiah 60

After reviewing the plight of the Jews last week, we now focus on God's glory in Isaiah 60 which  to us, is overwhelming.  A brilliant sermon based first on Brian's personal experience and his "dreams" and then exploring Isaiah's words about God's dream, where we explore, 1) what it is, 2)  who this dream is for and 3) how it's attained.  The service begins as Kerry sets the atmosphere for our study with "Fairest Lord Jesus" and sums it up at the end of the service by observing that our ultimate goal is to have "no barriers between me and Christ".

Sermon notes:  Brian had two dreams:  Based on his experience living in New York's jewish culture, he had permission to hate Arabs; the second was "they will get theirs some day".  Then 9/11 came along and validated his belief, this icon, came true!  Then in December, 1980, John Lennon died and this event "really resonated" with Brian. Lennon believed the complete opposite of Brian and his hating.  Imagine, there is no heaven,  Lennon's utopia is still not true.  Now, there here is a conflict seeking resolution, a sense of vengence vs. "peace", where everyone gets along.

Isaiah 60 presents a different dream, represented by the Hebrew word "Kabod": God's overwhelming glory.  There are not human words to describe God and heaven.  We, live in our rational minds, but not so with God.  "My glory will come upon you and you will worship me". Now, the dwelling of God is with people.  God's #1 priority is "being" with people.
Then, "lift up your eyes and look about you".  (What the Jews saw were "Arabs" -Kadar) but "nations will come", all- will be in heaven.  Isaiah 60 is God's dream.

Finally, who is this dream for?  The nature of God is diversity.  (note here Pastor's Bill's comments two weeks ago, " we are here to reconcile" .)  If God's nature is diversity, how does this dream come true?
The answer is that Jesus empties Himself, so we can have life.  Therefore, our mission becomes "Don't put your light under a bushel ", let no barrier exist between you and Christ (the idols) and, as James reminds us, "Count this joy", PERSEVERING JOY!