The Distant Land
J. Hoyle. Isaiah 33:17 Your eyes shall see the king in his beauty: they shall behold the land that is very far off. As it is in the margin, "the land of far distances." A land cleared of enemies as far as the eye can reach and the foot carry. I. THIS WILL APPLY TO THE KNOWLEDGE OF GOD, WHICH THE REDEEMED SOUL SHALL POSSESS IN HEAVEN. Here we know but little of the great Father of our spirits. But in heaven we shall know God more fully. Know Him not in His essence, but in the glorified human nature of Christ; in His relation to ourselves and the universe. II. THIS WILL APPLY TO THE VIEWS WHICH HEAVEN WILL GIVE US OF THE REDEEMING WORK OF CHRIST. At present there are many questions which the devout soul proposes in relation to this mighty work, but no response is given. What disclosures will heaven make on these points! III. THIS WILL APPLY TO THE EXPLANATIONS WHICH HEAVEN WILL AFFORD OF THE SECRETS OF NATURE. Nature, like the fabled traveller, has given the casket to the highwayman, but kept the jewels. She has given us names, but kept the power. IV. THIS WILL APPLY TO THE SOLUTION WHICH HEAVEN WILL GIVE OF THE MYSTERIES OF PROVIDENCE. V. THIS WILL APPLY TO OUR EXPERIENCE OF DIVINE GOODNESS. Here the vessel is narrowed by its conditions. It cannot receive much, it cannot bear much. Here we sip of the river of God, there we shall drink of its fulness. 1. Learn the limitations of this life. We know in part. It doth not yet appear what we shall be. 2. The boundless wisdom and goodness of God. The best things are yet in store. 3. See here the encouragements to a life of faith (J. Hoyle.) Parallel Verses KJV: Thine eyes shall see the king in his beauty: they shall behold the land that is very far off. WEB: Your eyes will see the king in his beauty. They will see a distant land.