What Happens Next预览

In this week-long devotional plan, we have covered a brief overview of a timeline for the end times. In the video clips, Pastor Max Lucado has described some of the key events on that timeline: creation (you were made to reign!), the rapture, the wedding feast of the lamb (God’s covenant love for you), the second coming of Jesus (the warrior king), and in today’s video, the new heaven and the new earth. Studying the end times is unique. It takes faith in God’s justice and timing, imagination (to visualize the prophecies), and trust. Today’s passage reminds us of an important truth: the end times end with God’s love.

In Isaiah’s prophecy, and as Pastor Lucado reminded us in the video, God loves and cares about the earth and the people on it. He has a plan for utopia that includes the end of war (Isaiah 2:4) and absolute peace between even man and nature (Isaiah 11:6). Though it’s challenging to understand the end times, the underlying message is the same as it has always been: God loves people. God loves all people and has made it possible for anyone to join him in eternity. The end times end with God’s love.

Worship God today, not just for loving you—though that is enough! –but for his massive vision of worldwide peace. The young, the sick, the elderly, and all people are seen and loved by God. Worship him!

Reflection

When you hear the word “heaven,” what are the first things that come to mind? Write them down. How does today’s passage affect your understanding of heaven?

Read Isaiah 65:21-25. Notice how this vision of heaven includes justice, especially for those who have “labored” for others.

If you have more questions about the timeline of the end times, then consider reading What Happens Next by Max Lucado or using the small-group video study.

Prayer

Thank you, God, for this vision of the future! Thank you for loving people and for planning a day when all pain and sorrow will be past. I look forward to your “new heavens and new earth.” Until then, please equip me to share your love with others on earth today. Amen.