Arise, Shine (Isaiah 60)
Have you ever had a moment where you saw light breaking through when you least expected it? Maybe it was a sunrise after a long, difficult night, or a single ray piercing through thick clouds, bringing warmth and clarity when everything felt shadowed. Moments like that grab our attention because light doesn’t just show up—it changes everything around it.
In Isaiah 60, God speaks to His people in a powerful way. They’ve been through dark times, times when hope seemed distant. But here, God begins to lay out an incredible plan—a vision so bright and unexpected that it would have left them amazed. God tells them that He’s about to do something that will bring lasting change, not just for them, but for everyone around them.
The question we have today is this: What does God have planned for His people? What is He offering that could break through the darkness and change everything? And what could it mean for us, right here, right now?
Let’s dive into this chapter and hear God’s promises, one by one. It’s a plan filled with light, provision, transformation, and hope. And I think by the end, we’re going to see that these promises aren’t just ancient words—they’re God’s invitation for us today.
God’s Command—“Arise, Shine” (Isaiah 60:1-2)
Isaiah 60:1–2 (ESV) — 1 Arise, shine, for your light has come, and the glory of the Lord has risen upon you. 2 For behold, darkness shall cover the earth, and thick darkness the peoples; but the Lord will arise upon you, and his glory will be seen upon you.
Isaiah 60 opens with an unforgettable command from God: “Arise, shine, for your light has come, and the glory of the Lord has risen upon you.” Imagine hearing these words as an Israelite, someone who has lived through exile, loss, and humiliation. God’s people had been beaten down, left in darkness. And now, out of the silence, God speaks—not with a suggestion but with a call to action: “Arise, shine.” This is no mere encouragement; it’s a divine summons to get up and stand in the light of something extraordinary.
And what is that light? God says, “Your light has come.” This is not a light they produce themselves. This light is the glory of God Himself, and it’s coming directly to them. “The glory of the Lord has risen upon you.” This is the same glory that led Israel through the wilderness as a pillar of fire, the same overwhelming presence that filled the temple, leaving everyone in awe. Now, God is placing that glory on His people and saying, “It’s time to rise and let My light shine.”
In the next verse, we get a deeper picture of the situation: “For behold, darkness shall cover the earth, and thick darkness the peoples; but the Lord will arise upon you, and His glory will be seen upon you.” God isn’t denying the presence of darkness. He’s acknowledging it—thick darkness that has covered the earth, a darkness that blinds people and leaves them hopeless. But here’s the incredible contrast: into this darkness, God’s light is breaking through. He’s saying, “Yes, the world is dark, but My light is stronger. I am giving you a light that pierces through any darkness.”
And here’s where the excitement builds: God’s promise in Isaiah 60 is a direct preview of Jesus Christ, the true Light of the world. When we turn to the New Testament, we see Jesus stepping into the same darkness that Isaiah described. In John 8:12, Jesus declares, “I am the light of the world. Whoever follows Me will not walk in darkness, but will have the light of life.” Jesus is the ultimate fulfillment of this prophecy. He is the glory of God revealed, the light that shines not only on Israel but on all people. When He says, “I am the light of the world,” He’s claiming this role of God’s light that overcomes all darkness.
Think about what that means. God’s command to “Arise, shine” is not just for ancient Israel. It’s a call for us as followers of Christ. Through Jesus, we don’t just receive a glimpse of God’s light; we are invited to live in it, to be transformed by it, to let it shine through us. Jesus goes even further in Matthew 5:14, telling His disciples, “You are the light of the world.” Just as God called Israel to shine with His glory, Jesus calls us to shine with His light, to be beacons of hope, truth, and grace in a world that’s still covered in thick darkness.
But we don’t do this on our own. Like Israel, we don’t generate this light ourselves. We shine because Jesus, the true Light, has come into our lives. His light has risen upon us, and it’s His presence that transforms us from within. God’s command to “arise and shine” isn’t a burden; it’s a gift, an invitation to reflect Jesus, to let His light make us radiant in a world that so desperately needs to see it.
So, here’s the question: Are we living in that light? Are we letting the glory of Christ transform us in a way that stands out against the darkness? God’s command is as urgent now as it was then—“Arise, shine, for your light has come.” Jesus, the light of the world, has come, and we are called to let His light shine through us. It’s not just a call to stand; it’s a call to be radiant, to let His light make us a beacon in the shadows.
The Picture of God’s Favor (Isaiah 60:3-18)
After calling Israel to “Arise, shine,” God begins to reveal an incredible vision of what this “shining” will look like. In verses 3-18, He describes a city filled with abundance, honor, and peace—a picture of His favor and blessing so profound that it would have sounded almost unbelievable to the Israelites who first heard it. This isn’t just survival; it’s restoration, flourishing, and God’s glory transforming every part of life. For people who had been living in captivity and exile, who had lost their home and identity, these promises would have felt like a burst of hope, a vision of redemption that only God could provide.
1. The Nations Drawn to God’s People (verses 3-5)
Isaiah 60:3–5 (ESV) — 3 And nations shall come to your light, and kings to the brightness of your rising. 4 Lift up your eyes all around, and see; they all gather together, they come to you; your sons shall come from afar, and your daughters shall be carried on the hip. 5 Then you shall see and be radiant; your heart shall thrill and exult, because the abundance of the sea shall be turned to you, the wealth of the nations shall come to you.
God begins by painting a picture of the nations coming to Israel, drawn to the light of God’s glory resting on them: “And nations shall come to your light, and kings to the brightness of your rising” (verse 3). This would have been an astounding idea for Israel. They were a small nation, often disregarded by the powerful empires around them. Yet here, God is promising that nations and kings will be drawn to them. Israel’s light, which is really God’s light, will be so captivating that it will pull people from every corner of the earth to Jerusalem.
In the New Testament, we see the fulfillment of this vision in the spiritual kingdom established by Jesus. Jesus, the Light of the world, draws people from every nation and background to Himself. In Acts 2, on the day of Pentecost, people from “every nation under heaven” hear the gospel in their own language and respond. And this continues today as the church becomes a beacon, drawing people from all backgrounds into the kingdom of God. In Christ, God’s light shines so brightly that it attracts people who are searching for truth, purpose, and hope—people who, like those ancient kings, are drawn to something greater than themselves.
2. Abundance and Restoration (verses 6-9)
Isaiah 60:6–9 (ESV) — 6 A multitude of camels shall cover you, the young camels of Midian and Ephah; all those from Sheba shall come. They shall bring gold and frankincense, and shall bring good news, the praises of the Lord. 7 All the flocks of Kedar shall be gathered to you; the rams of Nebaioth shall minister to you; they shall come up with acceptance on my altar, and I will beautify my beautiful house. 8 Who are these that fly like a cloud, and like doves to their windows? 9 For the coastlands shall hope for me, the ships of Tarshish first, to bring your children from afar, their silver and gold with them, for the name of the Lord your God, and for the Holy One of Israel, because he has made you beautiful.
Next, God describes how Israel will experience a reversal of fortune. Verses 6-9 describe caravans of camels, herds of animals, and ships bringing gold, frankincense, and other treasures to Israel. “They shall bring gold and frankincense, and shall bring good news, the praises of the Lord” (verse 6). For Israel, this would be a stunning image of restoration. They had been plundered, stripped of their wealth and honor, and forced into exile. But God is promising to turn things around so completely that the wealth of nations will flow into their city.
This abundance isn’t just about material wealth; it symbolizes honor and respect. God is telling His people that the world will recognize His favor on them. In the New Testament, this abundance is fulfilled spiritually in the church. Ephesians 1:3 tells us that we have been “blessed in Christ with every spiritual blessing in the heavenly places.” In Christ, we don’t lack anything. The riches of God’s grace, wisdom, and power are poured out on us. And just as Israel was called to use this abundance to glorify God, we are called to live out our spiritual blessings as a testimony to God’s goodness.
3. A Reversal of Shame and Humiliation (verses 10-14)
Isaiah 60:10–14 (ESV) — 10 Foreigners shall build up your walls, and their kings shall minister to you; for in my wrath I struck you, but in my favor I have had mercy on you. 11 Your gates shall be open continually; day and night they shall not be shut, that people may bring to you the wealth of the nations, with their kings led in procession. 12 For the nation and kingdom that will not serve you shall perish; those nations shall be utterly laid waste. 13 The glory of Lebanon shall come to you, the cypress, the plane, and the pine, to beautify the place of my sanctuary, and I will make the place of my feet glorious. 14 The sons of those who afflicted you shall come bending low to you, and all who despised you shall bow down at your feet; they shall call you the City of the Lord, the Zion of the Holy One of Israel.
In verses 10-14, God promises that Israel’s enemies will now serve them, and those who once despised them will come in humility. “The sons of those who afflicted you shall come bending low to you, and all who despised you shall bow down at your feet” (verse 14). Imagine what this would have meant for Israel. They had been conquered, exiled, and humiliated by other nations. But now, God is promising to reverse their shame, to turn their sorrow into honor. Those who once looked down on them would now come with respect and submission, recognizing that Israel is the people blessed by God.
This reversal of shame and humiliation finds its ultimate fulfillment in Jesus. In Christ, we see a kingdom where the broken are lifted up, where those who have been humbled are restored. Jesus said, “The last will be first, and the first last” (Matthew 20:16). In His kingdom, God takes our shame, our failures, and our brokenness and turns them into something beautiful. 1 Peter 2:9 says that we are a “chosen race, a royal priesthood, a holy nation.” Like Israel, we are given a new identity, one that isn’t defined by our past or our failures but by God’s favor and purpose.
4. The Vision of Peace and Security (verses 15-18)
Isaiah 60:15–18 (ESV) — 15 Whereas you have been forsaken and hated, with no one passing through, I will make you majestic forever, a joy from age to age. 16 You shall suck the milk of nations; you shall nurse at the breast of kings; and you shall know that I, the Lord, am your Savior and your Redeemer, the Mighty One of Jacob. 17 Instead of bronze I will bring gold, and instead of iron I will bring silver; instead of wood, bronze, instead of stones, iron. I will make your overseers peace and your taskmasters righteousness. 18 Violence shall no more be heard in your land, devastation or destruction within your borders; you shall call your walls Salvation, and your gates Praise.
Finally, in verses 15-18, God describes a vision of unbreakable peace and security: “Violence shall no more be heard in your land, devastation or destruction within your borders; you shall call your walls Salvation, and your gates Praise” (verse 18). This would have been a powerful promise for a people who had been invaded, exiled, and robbed of safety. God is promising that His people will live in a city with open gates, a place of complete security, where there is no need for walls or barriers. This isn’t just peace; it’s wholeness—a place where God’s presence provides constant protection and blessing.
In the New Testament, this vision of peace finds its fulfillment in the church, where we are promised an eternal security in Christ. Philippians 4:7 tells us that “the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.” And in Revelation 21, we see the ultimate realization of Isaiah’s vision in the New Jerusalem, a city where God’s presence provides light, peace, and eternal security. This vision of God’s favor is not only for Israel but for all who are in Christ. We are part of this kingdom, where the “walls” are salvation and the “gates” are praise, and where God’s presence brings perfect peace.
In Isaiah 60:3-18, God gives His people a vision of what life can look like when they are transformed by His light. For Israel, this would have been a stunning picture of restoration, a promise of blessing beyond anything they could imagine. And for us, this is a reminder of what God’s favor looks like in the spiritual kingdom of Christ. Through Jesus, we are given honor, peace, abundance, and a mission to shine His light to the nations.
As we consider this vision, let’s remember that God’s favor isn’t just something we receive—it’s something we are called to live out. Just as Israel was blessed to be a light to the nations, we are called to let God’s favor in our lives reflect His glory, drawing others to experience His peace, His hope, and His abundant love.
God’s People Shine (Isaiah 60:19-22)
Isaiah 60 reaches its climactic vision in verses 19-22, where God describes the ultimate transformation of His people. This is more than just survival or restoration—this is a picture of what it means to be fully, gloriously alive in God’s presence. Israel is no longer just a people who reflect light; they become radiant with God’s own light. The promise here goes beyond anything Israel has known before, pointing toward a future where God Himself is their everlasting source of light, hope, and security.
1. God Becomes Their Everlasting Light (verses 19-20)
Isaiah 60:19–20 (ESV) — 19 The sun shall be no more your light by day, nor for brightness shall the moon give you light; but the Lord will be your everlasting light, and your God will be your glory. 20 Your sun shall no more go down, nor your moon withdraw itself; for the Lord will be your everlasting light, and your days of mourning shall be ended.
Verse 19 begins with an extraordinary promise: “The sun shall be no more your light by day, nor for brightness shall the moon give you light; but the Lord will be your everlasting light, and your God will be your glory.” Think about what this means. God is telling His people that His presence will be so close, so constant, that they will no longer need the sun or moon. God Himself will be their light, a source that never fades, never sets, and never leaves. For a people who had known the darkness of exile, of feeling abandoned and lost, this is a promise that changes everything.
God is showing them that His light isn’t just about physical brightness; it’s about relationship, intimacy, and a presence that never fails. In other words, they won’t just experience moments of light—they will live in it. God’s presence will become as constant and dependable as the sun and moon, but far greater, because His light is everlasting. He is giving them a glimpse of a future where they are held in His light, a light that brings life, joy, and perfect peace.
In the New Testament, we see the fulfillment of this promise in Jesus. John 8:12 tells us that Jesus declared, “I am the light of the world. Whoever follows me will not walk in darkness, but will have the light of life.” Through Jesus, this light becomes accessible to us here and now. He isn’t just a guide in the darkness; He is the very source of light that fills our lives. In Jesus, we find the “everlasting light” Isaiah spoke of—a light that brings us into the closest relationship with God Himself, illuminating every part of our lives with His truth and grace.
2. God’s People Radiate His Glory (verse 21)
Isaiah 60:21 (ESV) — 21 Your people shall all be righteous; they shall possess the land forever, the branch of my planting, the work of my hands, that I might be glorified.
In verse 21, God continues this vision of transformation. Here, God is showing Israel the purpose of their shining: to reveal His glory. They aren’t just becoming radiant for their own sake; they are becoming a reflection of God’s character, His holiness, and His power. They are described as “the work of My hands,” showing that this transformation isn’t something they accomplish on their own. God is the one doing this work in them, making them righteous and planting them securely in His promises.
The righteousness described here is a gift, something God is producing within them. And the purpose? “That I might be glorified.” God is taking a broken, humbled people and restoring them in such a way that His own glory shines through them. They are like branches that He has planted, cultivated, and caused to flourish, so that anyone who sees them will recognize God’s hand at work.
This is echoed in the New Testament, where Jesus describes His followers as branches connected to Himself, the true Vine. In John 15:5, He says, “Whoever abides in Me and I in him, he it is that bears much fruit.” Just as Israel was called to display God’s glory, we are called to abide in Jesus, allowing His life and His righteousness to flow through us. As we stay connected to Him, our lives begin to radiate His glory, and we become visible signs of His grace and power.
3. A People Radiant with God’s Presence (verse 22)
Isaiah 60:22 (ESV) — 22 The least one shall become a clan, and the smallest one a mighty nation; I am the Lord; in its time I will hasten it.
Isaiah 60 concludes with a promise that speaks to God’s power and His timing: “I am the Lord; in its time I will hasten it.” This final verse is a reminder that God Himself will bring all of these promises to pass. The transformation, the glory, the everlasting light—none of this is dependent on Israel’s ability to bring it about. It rests in God’s timing and His faithfulness. When He says, “I will hasten it,” He’s saying that nothing will stop Him from fulfilling these promises. At the right time, He will make it happen.
For Israel, this was a profound assurance. After years of waiting and wondering if God had abandoned them, this final promise is a reminder that God is both the source and the guarantee of their future. And for us, it’s a reminder that God is faithful to His word. His timing is perfect, and His power is limitless. In Jesus, we see the beginning of this fulfillment, and in the New Jerusalem, we will see it fully realized.
The vision of Isaiah 60:19-22 reaches its ultimate fulfillment in the New Jerusalem described in Revelation 21. John writes that in this eternal city, “The city has no need of sun or moon to shine on it, for the glory of God gives it light, and its lamp is the Lamb” (Revelation 21:23). Jesus, the Lamb, becomes the everlasting light that fills the city and illuminates the lives of God’s people forever. This is the ultimate destiny of those who follow Christ: a life fully immersed in God’s presence, where His light fills every corner of our being.
What This Means for Us Today
So, what does it mean for us to be a people who “shine” with God’s light? We live in a world that promotes self-sufficiency, personal gain, and comfort over sacrifice. Letting God’s light shine through us requires humility, courage, and a willingness to be distinct. It requires letting go of our own control and comfort, trusting that God’s way of living—though it might make us stand out—is truly worth it.
Another reason this is hard is that we often feel inadequate. When we look at ourselves, we see flaws, weaknesses, and past failures, and it can be tempting to hide rather than shine. We might wonder, “Can God really shine through someone like me?” The darkness around us and within us can feel overwhelming, and sometimes it’s easier to blend in than to stand out for God
Are we willing to let God’s light shine through us, to live in a way that reveals His glory? Isaiah’s vision is not just for the future; it’s a call to live differently now, to let the everlasting light of God transform us and radiate through us. Just as Israel was called to “Arise, shine,” we are called to be a people who reflect the light of Christ, a light that will one day fill all creation.
Three things Isaiah wants us to remember…
We Shine with God’s Light, Not Our Own: God doesn’t call Israel to create their own light; He says, “Your light has come, and the glory of the Lord has risen upon you.” Our strength, goodness, or charisma isn’t what draws people—it’s God’s glory in us. This takes the pressure off us to “be impressive” and invites us to simply be vessels of His presence. When we feel inadequate, we can remember that it’s His light, not ours, that shines.
God Promises to Provide All We Need: Verses 3-18 describe a vision of abundant provision, peace, and honor. God’s promise of favor reminds us that we aren’t left alone to figure things out or meet our needs. He is our provider, giving us everything we need to live for Him. This assurance frees us to live generously, to trust that He will supply what we lack, and to focus on reflecting His light instead of striving for control.
God’s Presence Is Our Constant Source of Strength: In verses 19-22, God promises to be Israel’s “everlasting light.” This isn’t a momentary experience; it’s a relationship where His presence is as constant as the sun and more powerful than any darkness. Jesus fulfills this promise as the Light of the world who is always with us. His presence equips us to live courageously, to face challenges, and to trust that His light will shine even when we feel weak.
Conclusion
Isaiah 60 gives us a powerful vision: God’s people, transformed by His light, shining with His glory. When God commands Israel to “Arise, shine,” it’s not just encouragement—it’s an invitation to live in His presence, to reflect His favor, and to be a beacon of hope.
For us, this vision finds its fulfillment in Jesus, the Light of the world. Through Him, we’re called to be radiant in a dark world, allowing His light to shine through us in our words, actions, and relationships. We are the church, the body of Christ, meant to display God’s love, truth, and peace to a world that needs Him.
So as we leave here, let’s embrace this calling to shine. Let’s live with purpose, knowing that God’s light in us isn’t meant to be hidden. His presence transforms us, and His light through us brings hope to others. Let’s rise up, live in His light, and let the world see His glory.