Read & Absorb Isaiah in Five Daysಮಾದರಿ

Day Two: The Eucatastrophe

Read Isaiah 18–35

As mentioned yesterday, Isaiah’s warnings to Israel have hope infused in them. J. R. R. Tolkien coined a word about this kind of language with the word eucatastrophe. It means a surprising, happy turn of events. Tolkien writes, “In such stories when the sudden ‘turn’ comes we get a piercing glimpse of joy, and heart’s desire, that for a moment passes outside the frame, rends indeed the very web of story, and lets a gleam come through.”[1]

We see the turning of Isaiah’s remarks in the last chapter of today’s reading, Isaiah 35. Look at his phraseologies about what will come to Israel in the future:

•“Even the wilderness and desert will be glad in those days” (v. 1).

•“Be strong, and do not fear, for your God is coming to destroy your enemies. He is coming to save you” (v. 4).

•“He will open the eyes of the blind and unplug the ears of the deaf” (v. 5). Do you see Jesus in these verses?

•“The lame will leap like a deer, and those who cannot speak will sing for joy!” (v. 6). Again, we see a hint at what Jesus would do—heal the lame and restore the deaf and mute.

•“And a great road will go through that once deserted land. It will be named the Highway of Holiness” (v. 8).

•“Sorrow and mourning will disappear, and they will be filled with joy and gladness” (v. 10).

The Bible has a telescopic quality about it, speaking to the direct cultural context, hinting at the next stage in history, and foretelling the end and beginning of all things—something we’ll see gloriously fulfilled in Revelation 21. One day, there will be no more catastrophes. There will be only good as God dwells forever with his people (us!) in harmony, in a new world no longer tainted by the ravages of sin.

As a prophet, Isaiah saw all this restoration from afar, as if he looked on tiptoes at the coming beautification of all things. His rebuke is laced with encouragement because this world is not what it seems. There is more. And we are made for more. Can you see it? Can you taste it? Someday, you will be wholly whole, vibrantly alive, and dearly loved—all because of the God who brings goodness from catastrophe.

Lord, thanks for eucatastrophe - you bring beauty from difficulties, life from death, and hope from despair. When I am discouraged, would you prompt me to remember how things will be in the next life? I long to be set free from sin. I long to see you face-to-face. Amen.

[1] J.R.R Tolkien, The Tolkien Reader (New York: Ballentine Books, 1966), 87.