Scripture: “For, behold, I create new heavens and a new earth: and the former shall not be remembered, nor come into mind.” – Isaiah 65:17
Observation: While God is displeased greatly with the continual sins and rebellion of Israel, Isaiah reminds the people that God will be faithful to forgive His people, and one day He will prepare for them a new heaven and earth, so that they may dwell with Him forever.
Application: There is a saying that goes, “All roads lead to home”. This refers to the many different situations in which we find ourselves throughout our lives, and no matter what they may be, there is a pull in our hearts toward the familiar. This tug of familiarity gives us comfort and peace in our inner being, evoking strong feelings of a connection or sense of belonging, an innate need of all humanity.
When all roads lead directly to a specific location, it’s easy to get there, but when the way to a specific destination is a labyrinth of intertwined routes, it’s more difficult to find the correct path, and thus, much more likely of becoming hopelessly lost. That’s when it is very helpful to have someone leading the way.
That’s how it is in life. The ultimate destination for Christians is described in the Bible in 2 Corinthians 5:1, “For we know that if our earthly house of this tabernacle were dissolved, we have a building of God, an house not made with hands, eternal in the heavens.” Jesus has told us in John 14:2 that He is preparing a place for us to dwell with Him forever. “In my Father’s house are many mansions: if it were not so, I would have told you. I go to prepare a place for you.”
So how do we get there? We need a trustworthy guide, and Jesus is the only One who can lead us. In fact, He promises to come and take us to heaven personally. John 14:3 records His promise, “And if I go and prepare a place for you, I will come again, and receive you unto myself; that where I am, there ye may be also.” Unfortunately, many people try to get their on their own. The world offers many paths it claims will lead to heaven, but they are just a network of confusing routes that lead to eternal destruction. Roads with the labels of “Good Moral Values” or “Doer of Many Good Things for Others” are examples of misleading trails that lead nowhere.
Jesus is the One who leads the true way to heaven. He stated in John 11:33, “I am the way, the truth, and the life: no man cometh unto the Father, but by me.” If you want your final destination to be heaven, there is only one way to get there. Good morals, great works, supporting charities, etc., are all detours that will never get you to an eternity in heaven with the Lord. Jesus is the way… the only way. As sinners, we must be forgiven of our sins, and only He can do that. His work on the cross provided salvation for anyone who seeks it. Romans 10:13 tells us, “For whosoever shall call upon the name of the Lord shall be saved.” Simply call on His name for forgiveness, invite Christ to be your Lord and Saviour, and He will be your guide through this life to your eternal one in heaven!
Prayer: My dearest Saviour, thank You for saving me when I was a young girl and putting my feet on Your path of righteousness. I know I often veer off, but it is Your faithfulness that brings me back to where I need to be. Help me avoid the detours and remain faithful to You alone! In Your precious name, I pray. Amen.
Jesus is the only way unto peace and rest;
Why not come to Him today, and be saved and blest?
Come, O come to Jesus, He's the only way;
Turn from sin and seek His face and His Word obey;
Tho' your sins be many and vile. He'll forgive today.
Vain upon your works to trust, they cannot avail;
Trust in Jesus Christ we must, else our hopes will fail.
Come, O come to Jesus, He's the only way;
Turn from sin and seek His face and His Word obey;
Tho' your sins be many and vile. He'll forgive today.
(from “Jesus is the Only Way” by Charles Price Jones)
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“And I heard a great voice out of heaven saying, Behold, the tabernacle of God is with men, and he will dwell with them, and they shall be his people, and God himself shall be with them, and be their God.” – Revelation 21:3