“The sun shall be no more thy light by day; neither for brightness shall the moon give light unto thee: but the LORD shall be unto thee an everlasting light, and thy God thy glory. Thy sun shall no more go down; neither shall thy moon withdraw itself: for the LORD shall be thine everlasting light, and the days of thy mourning shall be ended.”
(Isaiah 60:19-20)
When the sun rises in its full brightness, its golden rays cover the world, making ordinary objects look like they belong in a palace. But the splendid radiance of the sun is only a glimpse of the inherent glory of the highest heaven, the place prepared by God for His dwelling and the radiant brilliance and glory of His majesty.
Scripture describes the magnificent temple at Jerusalem with its many treasures, rich materials, and excellence of beauty and design that far surpassed ordinary skill because God Himself directed its construction. Yet even the most splendid work “made with hands” is common when compared to God’s own dwelling, created by Him alone.
In Isaiah’s vision, the seraphim cry, “Holy, Holy, Holy, Lord God of Hosts, the whole earth is full of thy glory.” And it is. Creation is “a theatre of innumerable wonders divinely deck’d.”[1] And the wise observer, if he is honest, admires and praises God’s power and providence displayed in it. The excellence of the work reveals the art of the Maker, and the glory of the Maker is seen in the excellence of what He has made.
But if the earth has this much glory, what must the supreme heavens be? If that which is temporary has glory, how much more that which remains eternally because it is the place where God dwells … where the light of His presence is its supreme glory.
Christ is also there, crowned with majesty and glory as the reward of His meritorious obedience and sufferings. The Father has dignified the Son with a name and position surpassing all created glory: He is Lord of angels, Head of the church, seated at the right hand of God the Father.
What incomparable love brought the eternal Son down from such a heaven … and that same love will gather His people to Himself to share in His glory for all eternity!
Contemplations:
- The glory of heaven. I speak about heaven as if it were a vague concept instead of a glorious reality, but I need to remember that it is as real as the ground I walk on. Help me realize that truth so that I desire it more than anything else.
- Earth’s beauty and bruises. I look around and though I see beauty, I also see brokenness. Sin has left its mark everywhere. I forget that sometimes, and then I’m shocked by suffering as if it were strange. Teach me to see this world honestly, and to let its wounds make me long for the place where nothing is tainted.
- Christ’s glory and love. Christ’s glory is the reward of His obedience and suffering. He finished the work. And then He asked to be glorified with the Father with the glory He had before the world was. Let His present glory remind me what His love cost.
- A kingdom of calm, not just escape. I notice how often I want heaven mainly as an escape from pain. But this passage pushes me deeper. Heaven is not only the absence of sorrow; it is the presence of perfect holiness, joy, and obedience. Train my heart now for eternity with You—teach me to obey with gladness, to love what is pure, and to find peace in Your providence.
Prayer (Thanksgiving)
O Lord, everlasting Light, I give thanks that You have not left Your people to wander in permanent darkness. You have spoken comfort that reaches beyond the sun and moon, beyond all created brightness, and You promise Yourself—“the LORD shall be unto thee an everlasting light, and thy God thy glory.” I thank You that the end of salvation is communion with You in a place and state fit for Your majesty and Your love.
The earth shows Your handiwork, but it is cursed by sin, and I feel it in my own life. Thorns and troubles, storms and sicknesses, fears and failures—these remind me that I am not home yet. I thank You that You have prepared something better, something that does not decay but that remains in its original beauty and integrity.
Above all, I thank You for the Lord Jesus Christ, now crowned in glory. I thank You that His exaltation is the reward of His obedience and sufferings, that He finished the work You gave Him to do, and that You have highly honored Him. I thank You that angels surround His throne, and saints in glory are transformed into His likeness, shining because they are holy, and holy because they are Yours.
Give me grace to live now as one who is heaven bound. Keep my heart from setting its hopes on a world that is passing. Make me thankful in sorrow, thankful in weakness, thankful in the ordinary day, because the end is sure. Let this promised light sweeten my obedience and strengthen my faith until I see with my own eyes what You have promised.
In Jesus’ name I pray, Amen.
Further Scripture References for Isa. 60:19-20:
Rev. 21:23; Isa. 24:23; Zech. 2:5; Luke 2:32
[1] William Bates, A Short Description of the Blessed Place and State of the Saints above in a Discourse upon the Words of Our Blessed Saviour, John XIV, 2, (London: J.D. for J. Robinson, 1687), 37–52.
