Isaiah 60:19-20
A common comfort that many people have and many others offer when there is a death is that the loved one we have lost is now in a better place. As Christians we believe that. In fact, we know it to be true and can indeed find comfort in knowing that the one we have lost is in a better place.
This passage from Isaiah is an image of that “better place.” What surprising image is first presented in verse 19? From whom will we receive light? What comfort is offered in verse 20?
We can all have a vision of what the eternal will hold for us. We can all have a hope for an end to suffering and conflict. The idea of God as our everlasting light and of heaven as a place without sorrow can bring great comfort.
But I would like to suggest two things. The hope of God’s eternal peace should not be thought of only in times of death. As we face the fears and uncertainties of today’s society, the marketplace, the government, our changing culture and shifting value systems, we can take comfort in knowing that God is an everlasting God who has a place of peace for us all. In that knowledge, in that confidence, we should be able to find hope in a world that seems to offer little hope. In these uncertain times we can find joy in the hope of an unchanging God.
The second observation would be that I believe the peace and comfort promised in this passage is not just waiting for us at the end of days. I believe that when we trust in our Lord, when we believe in Christ and obey the teachings of Jesus, we are spared much of the worries and turmoil of life. By having strong faith in God we can make the Lord our everlasting light in the here and now. By trusting in the grace and mercy of our heavenly Father we can see the glory of the Lord in our lifetime. By living in the sheltering arms of God our days of sorrow will end.
In all of this we should place our hope. And the confidence of knowing that our hopes will be realized should bring us joy.
DAILY CHALLENGE: What can you do to make God your everlasting light now?
2 comments:
The devotions the last two days have really given me peace and confidence in spite of the confusion and turmoil in our country today. We need to remember that the Lord is there for us, no matter what the circumstances, and His peace should be in our hearts. Thank you for this reminder!!
Thank you for your encouragement. It does indeed bring peace knowing God is in control even when we can't see what His great plans are.
I am so glad that these devotions help others.
May God's presence truly be felt in your life.
Roger
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