August 1 - Hope to High Heavens

 Read today’s texts first: Isaiah 65,66; Psalms 62; John 3

MAXIMize YOUR DAY

B.I.B.L.E.- Basic Instruction Before Leaving Earth.
Today’s topic: Heaven - read all about it! 

The parallels between the book of Isaiah and the whole Bible continue in today’s readings. The last book of the Bible, The Revelation, is about the final battle between good and evil and the hope of heaven for those who are victorious. The last two chapters of Isaiah carry the same theme.

First, from Isaiah: Behold, I will create new heavens and a new earth. The former things will not be remembered, nor will they come to mind. But be glad and rejoice forever in what I will create, for I will create Jerusalem to be a delight and its people a joy. I will rejoice over Jerusalem and take delight in my people; the sound of weeping and of crying will be heard in it no more (65:17-19).  “As the new heavens and the new earth that I make will endure before me,” declares the Lord, “so will your name and descendants endure” (66:22).

Now check out The Revelation: Then I saw a new heaven and a new earth, for the first heaven and the first earth had passed away, and there was no longer any sea. I saw the Holy City, the new Jerusalem, coming down out of heaven from God, prepared as a bride beautifully dressed for her husband. And I heard a loud voice from the throne saying, “Now the dwelling of God is with men, and he will live with them. They will be his people, and God himself will be with them and be their God. He will wipe every tear from their eyes. There will be no more death or mourning or crying or pain, for the old order of things has passed away” (21:1-4).

Two prophets, two prophecies, centuries apart, but the hope of heaven is the same. Being sure about heaven is important when you orient your life based on your eventual destination. I’ve bet everything on the hope of heaven, and when Jesus, in our final reading, promises eternal life to those who believe in Him (3:16,36), it is a sure bet.

“Lord, the hope we have is not just wishful thinking. I can bet my life it is as sure as You are and as true as Your Word!”