“Lift up your eyes to the heavens, and look on the earth beneath; for the heavens will vanish away like smoke, the earth will grow old like a garment, and those who dwell in it will die in like manner; but My salvation will be forever, and My righteousness will not be abolished.”
Isaiah 51:6
As I sit on my balcony here in Israel, looking toward the Mediterranean Sea, I am reminded of the beauty of God’s creation. This is the place where I often spend my mornings with the Lord, reading His Word and praying for my city, for Israel, and also for many of you, your families, ministries, and businesses. Yet when we look at the world around us today, many people are asking serious questions about the last days. We see wars, uncertainty, changes among nations, and events that can leave people wondering what the future will bring. What does the Bible actually tell us about the end of this present world, and how should those who trust in Yeshua respond?
The answer may sound frightening at first, but for those who belong to Yeshua, the message of Scripture is actually filled with tremendous hope. In Isaiah 51, God gives us a very interesting command: lift up your eyes to the heavens and look at the earth beneath. In other words, look around you and consider what you see. God’s creation is beautiful, but we also know that sin brought corruption into this world. The earth we know today is not the final destination of God’s redemptive plan, and the Lord tells us clearly that the heavens will vanish like smoke and the earth will grow old like a garment.
Yet immediately after speaking about the temporary nature of this present creation, God gives us a powerful promise: “My salvation will be forever.” I love these words because the Hebrew language gives us a beautiful connection. The Hebrew word for salvation is yeshuah, from the same Hebrew root connected with the name Yeshua. When I read these words, I am reminded again that our salvation is not simply a religious idea or a theological teaching. Our salvation is found in Yeshua, and while everything around us may change, He remains forever.
The New Testament continues this same message. In 2 Peter 3, Peter writes that the heavens will be dissolved and the elements will melt with fervent heat. Yet after describing these dramatic events, he does not tell believers to live in fear. Instead, he reminds us of God’s promise and says that we are looking forward to “new heavens and a new earth in which righteousness dwells.” This is the glorious future God has prepared for His people. He is bringing His creation toward complete restoration, where His righteousness and glory will be fully revealed.
Yeshua Himself said, “Heaven and earth will pass away, but My words will by no means pass away.” Dear friends, this is why it is so important that we build our lives upon the Word of God. Everything we see with our physical eyes is temporary. Nations change, governments change, economies change, and even the earth beneath our feet will one day pass away. Yet the Word and promises of God will never disappear. When our lives are rooted in His truth, we can face an uncertain world with confidence because we know the One who holds our future.
Isaiah 51 continues with another wonderful promise: “My righteousness will be forever, and My salvation from generation to generation.” God’s salvation is not limited to one period of history or one generation of people. His redemptive purpose continues, and everyone who puts their trust in Yeshua receives the promise of eternal life. This is why Yeshua came to this earth. He came to save us, to conquer sin and death, and to open the way for us to live forever in the presence of God.
The Book of Revelation gives us a beautiful picture of the new heaven and the new earth. God will dwell with His people, and tears, death, sorrow, and pain will not have the final word. His glory will fill everything. When we understand this promise, we begin to understand why believers can walk in shalom even when the world around us feels uncertain. Our peace does not come from believing that nothing difficult will ever happen. Our peace comes from knowing that God has already revealed where history is going and that His promises will be fulfilled.
As we enter Shabbat, I want to encourage you to rejoice in the Lord, serve Him with joy and gladness, and walk in His supernatural shalom. Look at the world around you, but do not allow what you see to steal your peace. Lift your eyes to the promises of God and remember that everything temporary will one day pass away, but Yeshua remains forever. Because we belong to Him, our future is secure, and we will worship Him forevermore.
From my balcony here in Israel, overlooking the Mediterranean Sea, I pray God’s blessing over you today. May His shalom fill your home, may His Word strengthen your heart, and may you and your family walk confidently with Yeshua, knowing that your future is secure in Him.
Shabbat Shalom from Israel,
Pastor Israel
