24No one living in Zion will say, “I am ill”; and the sins of those who dwell there will be forgiven.
Right in the middle of this passage that details the coming judgment on Israel, the LORD drops these words of hope. They almost seem impossible in contrast to the terrible things that will be happening all around. People will be in great turmoil, but in the middle of the mess, the LORD will provide for the remnant. As you can imagine, this has not happened yet. This is still a future event. But won’t it be wonderful when there is no illness and no unforgiven sins. We can have the latter, forgiveness. That is something that we can experience now because of the Cross. We can live in forgiveness. But sickness still is elusive sometimes. Only when we get to heaven will all sickness cease. The creation is still subject to the Fall. Only when creation is restored will sickness be no more. Until then, we will get sick, and our bodies will die. No diet and exercise plan can prevent it. They might make the quality of our lives better, but they cannot stop the results of sin in our world from taking their toll. Living healthy is good stewardship; it is something we should do. But only when Zion is overtaken by the heavenly Zion will sin be fully removed.
The Arnold Journey 