June 8 – Isaiah 25
We skipped a lot of chapters, didn’t we? Isaiah had specific messages from the Lord to many diverse people groups. He spoke to those who lived in Babylon, Assyria, Moab, Damascus, Israel, Ethiopia, Egypt, Edom, Arabia, Jerusalem, and Tyre. He singled out a few individuals as well. When God had something to say, Isaiah would speak it out. When God asked whom should He send all those years ago? Isaiah meant his “yes” to God, didn’t he? An amazing, faithful prophet.
We are now past these pronouncements (If you have time, do read them) and we’re back to praise. Isaiah doesn’t just pronounce judgment. He also proclaims the majesty of God. These, of course, are some of my favorite parts. Despite all the horrors of war and famine and pestilence, our God reigns and has a stunning future planned out for us. And even in the midst of the horrible parts, He is still good. He is still compassionate. He is still willing to forgive those who come to Him. The steadfastness of Who God is in the midst of a shifting, unstable world is our bedrock and our fortress. Isaiah reminds us of all this in Chapter 25.
You know, we ought to take note. If we spend all our time reading or watching or listening to news, we can easily give way to despair and depression. Like Isaiah, we need to take a break from the news each day and focus on the God who controls all things and who is not affected by the puny schemes of men. We need to remember that our God is perfect and eternal. All men will die, even the nastiest of dictators. Our God lives forever and holds in His powerful Being the offer of eternal life with Him to all who seek Him and ask for it. Now that ought to cheer us up, right?
My verse: Isaiah 25:8 “He will swallow up death forever! The Sovereign LORD will wipe away all tears. He will remove forever all insults and mockery against his land and people. The LORD has spoken!”
My response: I’m not sure how Isaiah knew these truths, Lord. Did he “see” them, somehow? Did You simply tell him it would be so? In any case, these are words of such comfort. They give me a yearning for Heaven, and the other side that we only see dimly from here. You see our tears. Wow. And you care so much that You will someday wipe them from our eyes. You are the Good, Good Father and I am so happy I am Yours.
