Day 13: The Gift…Kingdom Joy
Read: Isaiah 65:18-25
Earthly Jerusalem will be restored. The heavens and earth will be restored from man’s abuse and the tribulation judgments. Many aspects of the curse will be reversed. People will live to a great age, but death will still occur. Animals will revert back to vegetarianism and no longer fear man. Mankind will enjoy the fruit of their labors. Israel will finally inhabit the Promised Land fully. Nations will no longer be at war. All disagreements will be judged by the Lord Himself!
Now comes the most difficult part to grasp. There will be many born during this 1000-year era who will yet reject Jesus Christ and His gift of salvation. Remember, Satan is still bound. They cannot blame him. This speaks volumes of the depravity and selfish, sin-filled nature of mankind. Apart from the atoning work of Jesus on the cross, man is lost. Utterly lost! A near perfect world will not change that.
I am so thankful that as an 11-year old young girl, I knelt by my bed and asked Jesus to forgive me of my sin and shame. I asked Him to be my Lord and Savior. At that moment I went from darkness into light. I was utterly lost, but now I can see.
I love the words of the old hymn Amazing Grace. Sit back and let these words be yours today.
Amazing grace—how sweet the sound, that saved a wretch like me!
I once was lost but now am found, was blind but now I see.
Through many dangers, toils, and snares I have already come,
Tis grace hath brought me safe thus far, and grace will lead me home.2
Challenge: Are you certain you have accepted the Lord’s gift of salvation? If not, do not delay another moment. Confess your sin and receive Him today!
Prayer: Apart from You, Lord, I have nothing. Thank you for your gift of salvation. Thank you that now I see! Utter joy!
2 John Newton, 1725-1807, From Carrell & Clayton’s Virginia Harmony, 1831, Arr. By Norman Johnson, 1928