February 16 THE BEAUTIFUL AND GLORIOUS BRANCH "In that day the Branch of the Lord will be beautiful and glorious, and the fruit of the land will be the pride and glory of the survivors" (Isaiah 4:2, NIV). Continuing the metaphor of the branch, Isaiah portrays the Messiah as a beautiful and glorious branch. In the eschatological context of spiritual Israel, Christ is that beautiful and glorious Branch that will ultimately bring glory to God's people. As the beautiful and glorious Branch, Jesus will cause the new earth to bloom and flourish with peace, prosperity, and righteousness. This expectation will be fully realized at His second coming. After the long and ugly reign of sin, degradation, and death, God has promised to make "all things new" (Revelation 21:5, NKJV). The world marred by sin is to be purified and restored. Through the beautiful and glorious Branch, God will restore our planet and the redeemed to Edenic bliss and boundless prosperity. The beautiful and glorious Branch has promised a new world of indescribable beauty and splendor (see Revelation 21-22). It will be a land where righteousness, peace, and love will reign forever--a place where Christ will be king forever, and all the inhabitants will be healthy, happy, and holy forever. No tongue or pen can describe the beauty and perfection of a world custom made by God for His people. Best of all, "in that day the Branch of the Lord will be beautiful and glorious" (Isaiah 4:2, NIV). This is the moment for which all the redeemed have longed and waited. "Christ is revealed as the Redeemer and Deliverer of His people. Now indeed are the remnant 'men wondered at,' as the tears and humiliation of their pilgrimage give place to joy and honor in the presence of God and the Lamb."--Prophets and Kings, p. 592. My Prayer Today: Lord, when the beautiful and glorious Branch makes all things new, help me to be part of that new world. Amen.