But Jesus

They [who have escaped and remain] raise their voices, they shout for joy; They rejoice from the [Mediterranean] Sea in the majesty of the Lord. Isaiah 24: 14(Amplified)

The ultimate destruction of the earth is the topic of this chapter and all seems hopeless. Yet, there they are again – the remnant- who will rejoice in this day. As difficult and depressing as these prophecies of doom have been, there has been a silver thread of hope woven throughout each one.  As hard as this has been to read, I realize today that when we ask to know the truth, we must accept the whole truth, the bad with the good. How can we hope for a new heaven and a new earth unless the old is destroyed?  How can we understand the depth of Jesus’ pain on the cross unless we understand all that Jesus is saving us from – the horror, destruction, and wickedness of this world. I find I have sometimes been focused on destruction rather than the glorious hope promised to the remnant! 

Is it any different today?  As you listen to Pastor’s sermons, you hear how bad things are, how self-centered and selfish, greedy and thoughtless people are and then comes the BUT JESUS!!!!!  But Jesus can wash away your sin, but Jesus can cleanse your greediness and replace it with generosity!  But Jesus can give you the ability to put aside your selfish desires and to help those in need! But Jesus can take away your bitterness and replace it with forgiveness and joy! BUT JESUS!!! MAKES ME WANT TO SHOUT, PRAISE THE KING!  HALLELUJAH TO THE RISEN LAMB!!!  THANK YOU, JESUS!

Oh, Father, thank you for fulfilling your promises and making a path for the righteous to see Your salvation and the sure hope of a new heaven and a new earth where we can walk and talk and have unbroken fellowship with You once again. Please, Jesus, do not let me get away with anything that would keep me from enjoying that awesome pleasure of living with You forever!