When we look at the Old Testament writings from the prophet Isaiah, we see a total of 66 chapters. In the first 39 chapters, Isaiah warns the people of Israel (so it’s a warning from all of God’s people) of forthcoming judgement and their need for repentance of their sins and to turn back to God and to His Word of Truth. In chapter 40 we see a shift as Isaiah is offering comfort for God’s people, but what he shares continues to be rooted in God’s Word of Truth. Isaiah 40:7-8, are quoted in today’s New Testament passage from Peter.
Within these verses, Isaiah wants God’s people (us) to understand their (our) frailty. So, he compares people to grass that withers and flowers that fade. Then in stark contrast Isaiah reminds us that the Word of God remains forever. During yesterday’s sermon, Pastor Mary said that “we are temporary residents of earth”. She is speaking the same Truth that Isaiah shares in the Old Testament and that Peter shares in the New Testament.
When you and I chose to give our life to Jesus, we began drinking from His cup of salvation. In that moment we were reborn, our old life of sinful dead living was laid down at the cross, and we picked up our cross and began to walk out our born-again life. This new life lasts forever, because it is eternal with Jesus; but our physical life and all of life on this earth is fading and it will all come to an end. But, until the end comes, you and I have a holy expectation from God to spread the Good News message about Jesus. Just as each of us wants to be drinking from the cup of salvation, we also want as many people as possible to meet Jesus and to drink from that same cup. We do not want to see anyone parish from being trapped in the cup of God’s wrath.
1 Peter 1:23-25 (NLT)
23 For you have been born again, but not to a life that will quickly end. Your new life will last forever because it comes from the eternal, living word of God. 24 As the Scriptures say,
“People are like grass;
their beauty is like a flower in the field.
The grass withers and the flower fades.
25 But the word of the Lord remains forever.”
And that word is the Good News that was preached to you.
Prayer: Jesus, thank You for the most precious gift, my salvation. I know that I had to choose it, but I also know that You have been cheering me on from the moment I took my first breath, and you will keep cheering until I take my last breath and meet you face-to-face. Wow, that will be the greatest moment! As the earth fades and as I grow older, I remain hopeful even when I am in the valley because I carry You, Jesus, within me and I know that the best is yet to come with You in eternity. Please help me to keep drinking from Your cup of salvation as I stand firmly rooted in You and against the enemy. I lift all of this to You, Jesus. Amen.