In Immanuel's Land

"For, behold, I create new heavens and a new earth: 

and the former shall not be remembered, 

nor come into mind." ― Isaiah 65:17

 

Another world is still to come, waiting for its coming creation. 

 

For now, we have strife, disease, suffering, injustice ― but in that day, those evil things won't even be remembered.

"Of the increase of his government and peace 

there will be no end." ― Isaiah 9:7

Jesus Christ our King will be Ruler over all the earth. 

 

That day is coming, but even now, in our present world, we who are His followers experience the reality of His reign. All who meekly bow to this sovereign King know no end to His great government and peace upon their lives.

 

"Peace I leave with you, my peace I give unto you: 

not as the world giveth, give I unto you. 

Let not your heart be troubled, neither let it be afraid." 

― John 14:27

 

Our King's presence gives us security even though wickedness surrounds us. In spite of the evils of our earthly kingdom, we are affected much more by the glories of our heavenly kingdom. 

 

We "desire a better country, that is, an heavenly" (Heb. 11:6). With eyes of faith we see Christ's banner of love soaring. This brilliant banner is one of pure scarlet, token of His blood shed for us. It grandly flies as the anthem of His country rings even now in our hearts. It echoes forth the glory of an old rugged cross.

 

Another world is still to come, waiting for its coming creation. 

 

For now, we're merely strangers . . . pilgrims passing through an evil land. One day we won't even remember the things that bring us so much grief now. They'll never again come to our minds. 

 

What a joy to know Christ's government and peace each day as we journey to heaven above! May His kingdom have its increase in our hearts until He comes and then the whole world will know the glory of His reign.

 

The sands of time are sinking;

The dawn of heaven breaks;
The summer morn I've sighed for,
The fair sweet morn awakes;
Dark, dark has been the midnight,
But dayspring is at hand,
And glory, glory dwelleth
In Immanuel's land. 

― Samuel Rutherford