July 12, 2025 - Isaiah 55-60

In these chapters, Isaiah describes a future glorious reality for Israel.  But so much of this sounds like heaven, also.  “The sun shall be no more your light by day, nor for brightness shall the moon give you light; but the Lord will be your everlasting light, and your God will be your glory.  Your sun shall no more go down, nor your moon withdraw itself; for the Lord will be your everlasting  light” (60:19,20).  Just a thought for the day . . . Reflection on the reality of heaven, the presence of the Lord, and what will be ours in eternity is a greatly encouraging practice.  We should think more about heaven.

As with gladness men of old

Did the guiding star behold;

As with joy they hailed its light,

Leading onward, beaming bright,

So, most gracious Lord, may we

Ever more be led to thee.

In the heav’nly country bright,

Need they no created light;

Thou its light, its joy, its crown,

Thou its sun, which goes not down;

There forever may we sing

Alleluias to our King.   -- W. Chatterton Dix (1861)

and rule in equity. -- James Montgomery (1821)