DAILY DEVOTION, August 31, 2021

Your eyes will see the King in His beauty;
They will see the land that is very far off.  (Isaiah 33:17).

In context, Israel is under siege by Assyria. Nevertheless, Isaiah encourages the people to be faithful. In the last analysis, God is in control. No matter what happens in this life, God watches over His people. The prophet gives a beautiful promise to Israel. One day, the faithful will see the King in His beauty, undoubtedly a reference to the Messiah, Jesus. Those who first heard that promise did not see the King during their lifetime.

For the faithful Jews seeing their King in His beauty took place in heaven. They could see a land afar off, no doubt a reference to heaven. It reminds me of the verse in Hebrews 11:39. These ancient Jews died without having seen God’s promises fulfilled. Yet, they believed in the Word of God. They believed the day would come when they would see their Messiah King. It was all far off into the distant future, but they believed.

It reminds us that some of God’s promises made to us might not take place in this life. But we too shall one day see the King in His beauty. So keep the faith because there is a new world coming. Now we see in a glass darkly, then we shall see our King face to face (1 Corinthians 13:12).

Father, please help me to hold tightly to Your promises even when they are not realized in this life. Thank You for the promise that I will one day see the King in His beauty. Keep me in true faith until that day. I pray in the name of Jesus, King of kings, Amen.