New Heavens and a New Earth
Date: January 11, 2023
Bible Scripture Verse
Isaiah 65:17 - “See, I will create new heavens and a new earth. The former things will not be remembered, nor will they come to mind.
Listen for God’s Voice
We give you thanks for your promise of a new creation, where pain and sorrow will be no more. We put our trust in you and look forward to the day when all things will be made new. Help us to live in light of this promise, and to look forward to the day when we will dwell in your presence forever. Amen."
Explore History – Who wrote it, when and to what audience? Key people in the story?
Isaiah is dated to the 8th century BC. He is considered to be one of the greatest of the writing prophets. The book was written in Hebrew, the main audience was the Israelites, and the message of Isaiah is primarily directed to the Kingdom of Judah but also prophesies were delivered to the Kingdom of Israel and other nations.
This passage is just one of the passages that speak of God's promise to create a new heaven and a new earth, in which there will be no more pain, sorrow, or death. It is part of the poetic "Isaiah 65-66:24" that is often called the "Book within a Book" and it’s a prophecy of the coming of the new heaven and earth which is the ultimate redemption of God's people after a period of judgment. The passage is used both in Jewish and Christian literature as a vision of hope, the world's transformation, and God's promise of a new creation.
Study and Savor – Key Words
See or Behold – means to pay attention to something significant that is about to happen
Create – Bring something into existence
New Heavens and new earth – Renewal, a fresh start.
Summarize and Share
Isaiah 65:17 can apply to people's lives today by reminding them that there is hope for a new beginning, a fresh start in life, regardless of their past mistakes and regrets. The verse reminds us that God is the creator and sustainer of the universe, and He has the power to bring about new things, even in the midst of difficult circumstances.
It’s meant to offer encouragement to those who may feel trapped in their past or burdened by regrets, reminding them that God can make all things new. God's plans for our lives are not limited by our mistakes, failures, or past circumstances. Instead, God can work through all of these things to bring about something new and good.
Ultimate redemption and salvation, comes from God, and His promises of a new heaven and new earth are not just for the end of the time but they are meant to be a source of hope, a light in our present path. When we put our trust in God, we are able to experience his grace, love, and forgiveness and be renewed in our relationship with him.
Ask yourself, How can I align my life with God's plan for a new beginning? How can I let go of past regrets, failures and mistakes, and embrace the new things God wants to do in my life? How can I trust in God's promise of redemption and salvation, and allow it to be a source of hope and peace in my life?
Bible Cross Reference
2 Peter 3:13 - "But according to his promise we are waiting for new heavens and a new earth in which righteousness dwells." This verse from the New Testament reminds us that God's promise of a new heavens and new earth is one we can wait for with hope and confidence, as it will be a place where righteousness dwells.
Revelation 21:1-5 - "Then I saw a new heaven and a new earth, for the first heaven and the first earth had passed away, and the sea was no more. And I saw the holy city, new Jerusalem, coming down out of heaven from God, prepared as a bride adorned for her husband. And I heard a loud voice from the throne saying, “Behold, the dwelling place of God is with man. He will dwell with them, and they will be his people, and God himself will be with them as their God. He will wipe away every tear from their eyes, and death shall be no more, neither shall there be mourning, nor crying, nor pain anymore, for the former things have passed away.” This passage from the Book of Revelation expands on the idea of the new heavens and new earth, describing it as a place where God dwells with his people and where there is no more pain, mourning, or death.
Isaiah 51:6 - "Lift up your eyes to the heavens, and look at the earth beneath; for the heavens vanish like smoke, the earth will wear out like a garment, and they who dwell in it will die in like manner; but my salvation will be forever, and my righteousness will never be dismayed." This verse from Isaiah reminds us that, even though the earth and all its inhabitants will pass away, God's salvation and righteousness will endure forever.
Isaiah 66:22 - "For as the new heavens and the new earth that I make shall remain before me, says the Lord, so shall your offspring and your name remain." This verse from the next chapter of Isaiah after 65, reinforces the idea of new heavens and new earth as something permanent, which will remain before the Lord, similarly, your offspring and your name also shall remain.