Isaiah 51:6
Lift up your eyes to the heavens. Look closely at the earth beneath because the heavens will vanish like smoke, and the earth will wear out like a garment, and its inhabitants will die like gnats. But my salvation will remain forever, and my righteousness will never be abolished.
Dear Heavenly Father,
You tell us to look closely at what is above and under us. Many people want to hold on to this world we live in that somehow their efforts will keep it from ending. Moreover, we should be good stewards of your gifts and not waste what we have been given, but through Isaiah, you tell us, “the heavens will vanish, and the earth will wear out.” Like us, heaven and earth are created, and all creation feels the effects of sin in the world—sin is all around us. You have told us in your word that one day, you will bring an end to all that we see and feel, establishing a new heaven and earth. The earth’s inhabitants will die like a gnat; death is a reminder of the sin around us; you told us, “the wages of sin is death.” However, while the world might seem like it will never end, you want us to know how temporal it is. It gives us some standard to compare to you. When we contrast heaven and earth to you and your love, those will never end. Your love for us never wears out, changes, or disappears. John tells us you provide grace upon grace, never-ending love for those who trust you. Because of sin in the world, you sent your Son to die on the cross for all our sins. He took the punishment of sin from us, demonstrating your undeserved love towards us. He died once for all people, and your salvation will never end. Through faith in Jesus, we are restored back to you, and this will never be abolished. Lord, help us always focus on you, placing our confidence in your certainty. Amen.
Pastor Roger Emmons
God’s grace and love never run out for us, which is excellent. Each day, we have another day to ask for forgiveness for our sins, then watch God’s hand take care of us again.