November 27, 2024
The End - Part 3
Isaiah 65:21-23
11/27/2024
21 They shall build houses and inhabit them; they
shall plant vineyards and eat their fruit.
22 They shall not build and another inhabit; they
shall not plant and another eat; for like the days
of a tree shall the days of my people be, and my
chosen shall long enjoy the work of their hands.
23 They shall not labor in vain or bear children for
calamity, for they shall be the offspring of the
blessed of the LORD, and their descendants with
them. (ESV)
What is heaven like? Isaiah, writing 700 years before the
birth of Jesus, is trying to describe that which truly is
indescribable. He talks of the death of death, of the end of
suffering and disasters. He can only use words and pictures
which are familiar to his readers.
The children of Israel had been nomads with no permanent
dwellings. Throughout the history of their country they fought
wars to preserve their land. Isaiah wrote of the coming exile in
Babylon where, for seventy years, the Jewish people would be
strangers in a strange land.
What comfort could Isaiah bring to a people who knew well
the changes and chances of this life? What comfort can he bring
you?
They shall build houses and inhabit them; they shall
plant vineyards and eat their fruit. They shall not
build and another inhabit; they shall not plant and
another eat; for like the days of a tree shall the days
of my people be, and my chosen shall long enjoy the
work of their hands. They shall not labor in vain or
bear children for calamity, for they shall be the
offspring of the blessed of the LORD, and their
descendants with them.
The gift of God is eternal life in Jesus Christ. Salvation
from sin, death, and the power of the devil is not something that
we earn, but is given for the sake of our Lord's suffering,
death, and resurrection. In Him is our eternal blessing.
May our Lord grant us faith to hold firmly to His promises.
Amen.