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

4 He will stand and shepherd His flock in the strength of the LORD, in the majestic name of the LORD His God. And they will dwell securely, for then His greatness will extend to the ends of the earth.

5 And He will be our peace when Assyria invades our land and tramples our citadels. We will raise against it seven shepherds, even eight leaders of men.

— Micah 5:4-5

Peace I leave with you; My peace I give to you. I do not give to you as the world gives. Do not let your hearts be troubled; do not be afraid.

— John 14:27

I have told you these things so that in Me you may have peace. In the world you will have tribulation. But take courage; I have overcome the world!”

— John 16:33

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

— 2 Corinthians 4:17

Thoughts on Today’s Reading

Grace, mercy and love from Christ to you.

The certain future of the New Heaven and New Earth that awaits those who follow Christ gives joyful anticipation to believers today. Our current suffering is only temporary. Heaven will come down and the earth will be renewed and restored, transformed by God living among His people. Life on this earth will soon be everything God created in the beginning and more! Proverbs 4:18 says, “The path of the righteous is like the morning sun, shining ever brighter till the full light of day.” Our anticipation of a renewed and perfectly delightful earth truly encourages us at the present time.

God’s promises about the future of believers reflect His own character. In an eternal city of vibrancy and joy, God’s people will experience balance, stability, purity, and exaltation. The city of God will reflect the splendor of God. Today, many people live with anxiety about the future. Our expectation of God’s glorious culmination of history should give comfort and great hope when we are faced with doubt, temptation, or even persecution. The fear of deprivation, loneliness,pain, darkness, and tears that characterize life in this fallen world will be no more. We thank God for His promise of unlimited joy, fulfillment, and communion with Him forever.