November 25, 2024
The End - Part 1
Isaiah 65:17-18
11/25/2024
17 For behold, I create new heavens and a new earth,
and the former things shall not be remembered or
come into mind.
18 But be glad and rejoice forever in that which I
create; for behold, I create Jerusalem to be a
joy, and her people to be a gladness. (ESV)
For the past several weeks we have been looking at Jesus'
return to judge the living and the dead. Yesterday marked the
Last Sunday of the Church Year, where the readings warned us to
be watchful and ready for His coming. We do not and cannot know
when that will happen, so we need to always be prepared.
What is the goal for the Christian? Life everlasting in the
presence of the Triune God, ever dwelling in the blessed mansions
of heaven. This goal is not something we attain because of our
hard work, but it is a gift from God to those who trust in Him.
Isaiah the prophet, writing about 700 years before the birth
of Jesus, saw the second coming of the Messiah.
For behold, I create new heavens and a new earth, and
the former things shall not be remembered or come into
mind. But be glad and rejoice forever in that which I
create; for behold, I create Jerusalem to be a joy, and
her people to be a gladness.
Isaiah sees the physical reality of God's redeeming and
restoring work of salvation. This sinful world will pass away,
but He creates a new world, a new Jerusalem, for His people.
That which the faithful forget is the pain and anguish caused by
sin, for our Lord Jesus Christ took upon Himself our
transgressions.
May our Lord grant that we are ready for His return and His
eternal blessings. Amen.