Here’s a glimpse of eternity that hits the blend button on my brain.
Let’s start by making one simple observation. Our writer takes this eternal being who both created the earth and heavens and will outlast it all, and clearly names Him Jesus.
And, “YOU, LORD, IN THE BEGINNING LAID THE FOUNDATION OF THE EARTH, AND THE HEAVENS ARE THE WORKS OF YOUR HANDS; THEY WILL PERISH, BUT YOU REMAIN; AND THEY ALL WILL BECOME OLD LIKE A GARMENT, AND LIKE A MANTLE YOU WILL ROLL THEM UP; LIKE A GARMENT THEY WILL ALSO BE CHANGED. BUT YOU ARE THE SAME, AND YOUR YEARS WILL NOT COME TO AN END.” – Hebrews 1:10-12
Some claim the New Testament doesn’t insist on the deity of Jesus but come on. Could it be more clear?
Moving on.
Let’s think about this image for a moment.
Earth and heavens are like a garment that will grow old, like a mantle (cloak?) rolled up and discarded. As part of our introduction to Jesus, we learn that he tailored this garment, and as its owner holds the right and ability to throw it off in the right season.
I know scriptures like this have been used to justify a disregard for our environment. The assumption that it’s all going to burn or be put off has led to generations of Christians who cared less for our current home than is fitting. That’s ugly–just saying.
But the real point of the teaching here is not the earth’s shelf life or its disposable nature. Rather, this bit screams of the amazing nature of eternity and our wonderful Savior who stands as its author.
These heavens that will grow old like a garment have not yet stopped expanding. From what science tells us the universe continues to press through the birth canal of creation. The light-giving Word that started it all moving, “Light be,” still, to this day, continues creating.
Science found a galaxy designated MACS0647-JD over 13 billion light years from us, the second most distant galaxy.
Big cloak!
We have images of this galaxy. The light of those who-knows-how-many starts found it’s way into our telescopes. This light left that galaxy over 13 billion years ago to reach our probing eyes. Yet, beyond it, and in every direction, His Word continues to create.
But there will be a day when it all grows old.
Then Jesus will roll it all up like an old robe, and toss it into the goodwill.
This word image staggers the imagination.
He holds it all in his hands.
Isaiah tells us,
Behold, the nations are like a drop from a bucket, And are regarded as a speck of dust on the scales; Behold, He lifts up the islands like fine dust. … All the nations are as nothing before Him, They are regarded by Him as less than nothing and meaningless. – Isaiah 40:15, 17
I always loved that picture–dust on the scale–the stuff you blow off before you weigh something measurable.
To finish up, I’ll just restate the obvious once more.
(Grammar warning–the following is intentional.)
This one, Jesus, who IS before everything we know came into being, and who IS long after it has all been tossed into the bin, entered space and time to join in relationship with you and me.
Let’s worship Him today.
Glory to Jesus!
Thanks for stopping by.
Walk in the BLESSING He has so lavishly given.
Love you,
Ben
If you want to get caught up on our study of Hebrews, you can find all the articles listed here.
For more info about MACS0647-JD check out this article.