Day 212

The Best Is Yet to Come

Read: Isaiah 24-26

The theme changes from individual nations to the whole world. This seems to refer to the end of history. “The Lord will lay waste the earth” (24:1). Peter tells us in the New Testament that this old earth along with the heavens will be burned up (2 Peter 3). “On that day the Lord will punish” (Isa. 24:21). The New Testament tells us that at the end of the world will come the final judgment. “The Lord of hosts will reign” (v. 23). The New Testament tells us that at the end, the Lord will usher in his kingdom in all its fullness.

“He will swallow up death forever, and the Lord God will wipe away tears from all faces” (25:8 ESV). The book of Revelation reflects these words as it describes the heavenly life which shall be experienced by all who have been redeemed by Christ.

“In that day this song will be sung in the land of Judah: ‘We have a strong city’” (26:1). The book of Revelation speaks of the New Jerusalem where God’s people will dwell forever. “Your dead shall live, their bodies shall rise” (Isa. 26:19 ESV). The New Testament tells us that at the end of the world there will be the resurrection of the dead. Yes, the best is yet to come. What is predicted in Isaiah is predicted in greater detail in the New Testament. You who are suffering, who are dealing with difficult problems, hold fast to your faith; the best is yet to come.

PRAYER
Father, may our assurance of future glory give us the courage to deal with our problems today. In Christ. Amen.