Immanuel & Islamabad

A Meditation on Isaiah 9:7

The “increase” of Jesus’ domain, we are told, will have no end. So chew on this: Christ’s kingdom is not merely eternally existing, but eternally expanding. The rule of the Holy One infinitely and exponentially spreads and grows and conquers.


The dimensions of Christ’s domain—though universal and absolute from the divine perspective—are greater and more glorious in 2007 than in 1907. From the historical angle of God’s redemptive purpose, there is an amazing and unstoppable progress to the spread of the Gospel around the world.


For two thousand years, the Holy Spirit has been applying the affects of the Atonement at an alarming rate. The global advance of the Church is nearly complete. The Great Commission will soon become the Great Completion. And Immanuel will return to feast and dance with his Bride upon the New (and ever-expansive) Earth.


So every Christmas we get closer to that Day. Every Christmas we get nearer to the fulfillment of the Great Commission. Every Christmas we move forward, not backward, in the great global conquest of our Christ.


Because of the manger, there is a mission. Because of the Cross, there is a cause. And because of the sovereignty of our King, it is certain. All peoples will be reached. Worshippers will arise from every tribe and tongue (Revelation 5:9).


And His purpose is as serious as it is sovereign. Which means: His followers refuse to wallow with their Godless counterparts in the seasonal frivolity and waste. Especially at this time of year, they set their faces (and their finances) like a flint toward Jalalabad, Juba, and Jakarta. They invest deeply and personally in the furtherance of the Kingdom. They scream “Get behind me, Satan!” to the endless materialistic allurements of nicer clothes, newer cars, or neater golf clubs.


Christmas calls us to the Caucasus. The manager Babe beckons us to Baltistan and Baluchistan. The Incaranation trumpets us triumphantly towards Ingushetia.


Watch out, Islamabad: Immanuel is coming to town!

~~posted by Jack