The Final Outcome

It is the final outcome that really matters. It is how we end our life that counts. God promises that the final outcome for his children will be complete. Not one will be missing. Death is hard for us to deal with since it is so final. We don’t like things to be final. That’s why we like shopping at big stores like Lowe’s and Walmart where we can take our purchase back if we change our mind, but with death there is no changing our mind. The Bible explains death to us, but it is up to each of us to deal with it. For example one of those explanations is found in the book of Isaiah where there is a comparison of life and death.

The events of Isaiah chapter 34 are events of finality. There won’t be any changes or refunds allowed. You choose it you keep it. You won’t find a more solemn chapter in the Bible. It is both frightening and revering. This is the final outcome of those who choose their own way and choose to ignore God’s offer of eternal life. Whether we like it or not the Bible says we are going to be held accountable. Those who chose to dismiss the Bibles’ prediction of what will happen can do so, but it doesn’t change the events. Here is a glimpse of what that outcome will be for those who have rejected God.

For the Lord has a day of vengeance, a year of retribution, to uphold Zion’s cause. (Isaiah 34:8)

All the stars of the heavens will be dissolved and the sky rolled up like a scroll; all the starry host will fall like withered leaves from the vine, like shriveled figs from the fig tree. (Isaiah 34:4)

While chapter 34 is scary, chapter 35 is comforting. It’s a picture of God’s salvation and the final outcome of those who have chosen God.

This Choice is a Picture of Eternal Life

The desert and the parched land will be glad; the wilderness will rejoice and blossom. Like the crocus, 2 it will burst into bloom; it will rejoice greatly and shout for joy. The glory of Lebanon will be given to it, the splendor of Carmel and Sharon; they will see the glory of the Lord, the splendor of our God. (Isaiah 35:1-2)

It’s hard for some to believe that there could be such a place as heaven where God’s glory will shine forth for all eternity. God knows that we will need encouragement during the tough times we face in life to believe there is such a perfect place.

God Wants Us to Encourage Each Other

Strengthen the feeble hands, steady the knees that give way; 4 say to those with fearful hearts, “Be strong, do not fear; your God will come, he will come with vengeance; with divine retribution he will come to save you.”  5 Then will the eyes of the blind be opened and the ears of the deaf unstopped. 6 Then will the lame leap like a deer, and the mute tongue shout for joy. Water will gush forth in the wilderness and streams in the desert. (Isaiah 35:3-4)

God never runs low on resources. You will never find God on empty. We learn to encourage each other in the Lord. It’s what we are supposed to do, “Strengthen the weak and fearful among” by pointing them toward God.

God is here to help us.

We are aware that we are sinners and need God.

We believe that God will uphold his promises.

We believe that one day God will right all the wrongs.

When we hope in God and trust Christ we never find ourselves on a dead-in-street. God makes the blind to see, the deaf to hear, and the lame to leap and the mute to shout for joy. It is true both literally and spiritually. Those who are not able to see past the next bend in the road of life God is able to give you hope. Waters will burst forth in your dry barren life because God will bring forth a stream if you trust him.