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 purchases back if we change our minds, but with death, there is no changing our minds. 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. No changes or refunds will be 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 ignore God’s offer of eternal life. The Bible says we will be held accountable whether we like it or not. Those who choose to dismiss the Bible’s 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. Isaiah describes a picture of eternal life: “The desert and the parched land will be glad; the wilderness will rejoice and blossom. Like the crocus, 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). Some find it hard to believe that there could be a place like 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;  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.”  Then will the eyes of the blind be opened and the ears of the deaf unstopped.  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 believe that one day, God will right all the wrongs.