Heaven and earth will pass away, but my words will not pass away. Matthew 24:35 WEB
In Genesis, we become familiar with how God created the universe. The first verse in the bible, the famous words from Genesis 1:1 state, “In the beginning, God created the heavens and the earth. WEB” Genesis 1:3 reads, “And God said, Let there be light: and there was light. KJV” The earth, and the entirety of the material universe came into existence by the word and the authority of the timeless, immaterial Creator.
Similarly, John 1:1 gives a description of Jesus at the beginning of time saying, “In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God. WEB” Jesus Christ is the Word of God as we learn in John 1:14 that reads, “The Word became flesh, and lived among us. We saw his glory, such glory as of the one and only Son of the Father, full of grace and truth. WEB”
These revelations help us understand the statement from Matthew 24:35. Heaven and Earth are part of the creation. In time, they will pass away. However, Christ is eternal and unchanging like our Father in heaven. While creation is subject to change, the words of Christ are forever.
New Heaven and New Earth
Revelation 21:1 gives us insight into what happens with the current heaven and earth saying, “I saw a new heaven and a new earth: for the first heaven and the first earth have passed away, and the sea is no more. WEB” In the future, God will replace the corrupt world and the current heaven with a new heaven and a new earth.
The words of Christ are reliable. When he cursed the fig tree, it shriveled and died. When he called Lazarus out of the tomb, Lazarus arose from the dead. Prophesying the destruction of the temple in Jerusalem, it was destroyed just as Jesus said. And, when Christ predicted his own death and resurrection, he arose and presented himself to his disciples on the third day.
Believers receive comfort knowing the words of Jesus from John 14:2, “In my Father’s house are many mansions: if it were not so, I would have told you. I go to prepare a place for you.” Whether in his ministry, or in the days to come revealed in Revelation, what Christ said would happen did happen and will happen. Heaven and earth will pass away but Christ and his words are eternal.
Prayer: “Father God, thank you for Jesus Christ. Your word is eternal. Keep me in your way and lead me to live a life that pleases you. In Jesus’ name – Amen”
Yesterday’s Devotional: Teacher and Lord
