Good morning,
Heaven is a wonderful place. We do not commonly refer to it as Immanuel’s land, but it is. Immanuel is the Lord Jesus Christ. We are going to be with Him when we die. It is Immanuel’s land.
This devotion challenges us to think about Immanuel’s land.
Immanuel’s Land!
(Gene Fedele, edited)
What can be more delightful for the weary pilgrim who is hastening to his heavenly mansion, than to meditate on the unspeakable wonders of his future home beyond the skies? There is much of Immanuel’s Land to engage our hearts in sacred contemplation, even while we sojourn and toil in this world as strangers and pilgrims.
Heaven is the most cheering and attractive occupation to which we may set our hearts. Yet I wonder why many of us fail to avail ourselves of the enjoyment and spiritual strength afforded in such a holy pursuit.
Could it be that the allurements of this world keep us from recognizing how near we are to the unseen, supernatural, and eternal state? Instead of dwelling on the glorious world to come–do we focus on the mere momentary pleasures of time? We do well to examine ourselves with judgment day honesty, that we may check the affections of our heart.
It is the influence of the future heavenly realities exercised in our hearts and lives, which gives vitality and beauty to our religion. It reveals genuine piety, as our aim is in contrast to the passing pleasures of this fleeting earth. It affords light along the path of life’s dark trials, and points to the realms of bliss, where there shall be no more tears, and sorrow is banished forevermore!
The glorious rest that remains for our earth wearied souls;
the sweet consolation of the redeemed in glory;
the unending fellowship of that precious society of saints;
the incalculable riches laid up in store for us to receive on that glorious day
–are all facets of Immanuel’s Land, that we might set an adoring eye towards the one object of our affections, Christ Jesus our Lord!
Let us, therefore, ‘set our affections on things above’ and fix our hearts steadfastly upon the heavenly joys and glory of Immanuel’s Land!
“But our citizenship is in Heaven. And we eagerly await a Savior from there, the Lord Jesus Christ, who, by the power that enables Him to bring everything under his control, will transform our lowly bodies so that they will be like His glorious body!” Philippians 3:20-21
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The COVID-19 pandemic has turned our world upside down. Right now our thoughts are how are we going to pay our bills, feed our families, keep sane, in the wake of staying home.
Unfortunately, Immanuel’s land may not be top priority. However, it should be. When we focus on Immanuel, Jesus Christ, we know that He knows what is going on, and has a purpose for it.
His will, will be done.
Focus on Immanuel!
Tom Stearns, WASI Chaplain, 907 715-4001
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