December 27 | Isaiah 66: 18-23
- Michael Guastella
- Dec 27, 2025
- 2 min read
DAILY READING
REFLECTION
Gathered to Witness His Glory
By Michael Guastella
Isaiah ends his book on quite the crescendo of promises from God. The first part of the chapter is God exposing hollow religion, promising vindication for the humble, and announcing judgment on the rebellious. But then, where we pick up in verse 18 is a beautiful promise: everyone from all walks of life, in every nation, from every dialect of every language, will be gathered to witness the glory of God.
Earlier in the chapter, God refers to Heaven as His throne and the Earth as his footstool. I enjoy that imagery greatly. It is a humbling perspective not only in the sense of reminding us how "small" we are, but it is a helpful reminder of God's intentions for the earth and His people as a place of rest, focused on worshiping Him; and how we get there is just as humbling.
God tells us in verse 19 that He will send a "sign" among the people to reveal the gathering of all nations. A sign that no one can mistake, one that will be so undoubtedly from our Creator, that no one can doubt His reality.
The core promise is: we won't just hear the rumors. We are going to see for ourselves who God really is.
Verse 19 also reveals an act of mercy from God, by saying "I will send some of those who survive" to spread the news and "proclaim my glory among the nations." Survivors become the sent ones. And then, God reveals the ultimate act of mercy in verse 21: "And I will select some of them also to be priests and Levites."
God is promising to not let "outsiders" feel like they have some sort of watered-down version of His glory...quite the opposite. God is saying that anyone and everyone can have full belonging to worship at the throne. That the kingdom of God is not a gated community, but rather a home that greets strangers and welcomes them in.
The passage ends with God anchoring our future in permanence: “As the new heavens and the new earth… will endure before me… so will your name and descendants endure." A picture-perfect vision of our world.
God's word ends in the book of Isaiah with the beginning of a new world. The vision for us to cherish. The promise of peace. Where we will all be gathered to witness His amazing glory.
PRAYER
Lord, when you speak to us, let us always listen. When you give us direction, let us always follow it. We know that at the end of it all, we all will fall before the throne to worship you forever. Give us the focus and determination to orient our hearts and our minds to always glorify you. Thank you for your mercy and your vision. Amen.
About the Author
MICHAEL GUASTELLA
I have been a Hilliard resident since 2022, and have lived in Columbus about 11 years. I am originally from the Cleveland area. I work in downtown Columbus as a government affairs consultant. My wife, Rachael, and I have been attending UALC since early 2024.
Having just worshipped the newborn king, this passage reminds us of Jesus entire life and His message of salvation and hope.... that one day, as believers, we will worship Him at his throne in all the magnificence of heaven and a life to come with no more wars, sadness, or death. Thank you for sharing this vital message.
Michael,
Thank you for your beautiful commentary closing out the book of Isaiah. Your closing prayer crushed me!
I really appreciate this statement. "That the kingdom of God is not a gated community, but rather a home that greets strangers and welcomes them in." Let us be that now as we will be forever. Amen!