“Of the increase of his government and of peace there will be no end, on the throne of David and over his kingdom, to establish it and to uphold it with justice and with righteousness from this time forth and forevermore. The zeal of the LORD of hosts will do this” (Isaiah 9:7).
The governments of this world wax and wane. But the government of Jesus Christ is always on the rise. His kingdom of justice and righteousness must be ever-increasing because it is bound to the most powerful force in the Universe, the zeal of the Lord of hosts!
We’ve all seen zealous people accomplish great things through the sheer force of their enthusiasm. The gift of human zeal accomplishes wonders when aimed at the good. But our
zeal is also the cause of unspeakable atrocities. What a comfort to know, then, that the kingdom of God does not depend on our zeal. The kingdom of God is energized by the engine of God’s enthusiasm!
Through faith in Jesus Christ, we have been swept up into a movement that cannot fail because Jesus cannot fail. At the cross, the zeal of Jesus overcame the world. And His government has been increasing ever since. In the first century, the cross of Christ was barely a footnote in the gospel of Roman glory. Today, the distant memory of Roman glory is widely preserved as the background to the gospel of Jesus Christ. The zeal of the Lord of hosts has done this! And so it will be for everyone who takes up their cross and follows Jesus. To lose with Jesus is never-ending gain.
Then learn to scorn the praise of man,
And learn to lose with God;
For Jesus won the world through shame,
And beckons thee His road.
CELEBRATING SUNDAY…
Sunday Worship: Our series in 2 Timothy has begun! If you missed Sunday, you can catch up on our YouTube channel here.
Dr. Russell Moore - Looking to catch up on Dr. Russell Moore’s Exodus seminar? Check it out here!
TONIGHT: THE RESURRECTION & MISSION
Wednesday Night at Immanuel - Join us tonight at 6:30PM for a three-part mini-series titled “Living in the Light of the Resurrection.” Pastor Sam Allberry will lead our time on the topic of The Resurrection & Mission. We hope to see you there!
On the Horizon…
Young Professionals Gathering - Our next Young Professionals gathering is tomorrow, April 18th at 6:30 pm. Come and meet a new friend, fellowship, and be encouraged!
Women's Discipleship Cohort Interest Meeting - Join us on Sunday, April 28 in the gym immediately after the 10:45 service to learn more about participating in women's discipleship cohorts this coming fall! Lunch will be provided. RSVP.
Thankful!