9 Rather, as it is written: “No eye has seen, no ear has heard, no heart has imagined, what God has prepared for those who love Him.”

10 But God has revealed it to us by the Spirit. The Spirit searches all things, even the deep things of God.

— 1 Corinthians 2:9-10

For our light and momentary affliction is producing for us an eternal weight of glory that is far beyond comparison.

— 2 Corinthians 4:17

6 For unto us a child is born, unto us a son is given, and the government will be upon His shoulders. And He will be called Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace.
7 Of the increase of His government and peace there will be no end. He will reign on the throne of David and over his kingdom, to establish and sustain it with justice and righteousness from that time and forevermore. The zeal of the LORD of Hosts will accomplish this.

— Isaiah 9:6-7

Thoughts on Today’s Reading

Grace, mercy and love from Christ to you.

If you are a believer in Christ, your body will rise in the first resurrection; you will be with Jesus Christ through the events of His second coming. The glorious future Christ promises His people removes the fear of death that holds humanity captive. This truth provides believers hope and perspective for today, especially when life is hard. Jesus determines our current and future life circumstances. He upholds us with His own strength and seeks our eternal good, wherever He assigns us as He prepares us for our eternal future.

John’s vision of enthroned judges and resurrected martyrs seems to depict all believers joining their Savior in triumph over His enemies. Jesus’s glorious reign represents history’s climax. During their lives on earth, believers experience a foretaste of the promised splendor of Christ’s return to earth. Believers’ spiritual resurrection from death to life and the Holy Spirit’s presence in the Church foreshadow the glorious consummation promised when Christ returns. Amen!