READ: Is. 25:1-12
And in this mountain the Lord of hosts will make for all people a feast of choice pieces, a feast of wines on the lees, of fat things full of marrow, of well-refined wines on the lees. – Is. 25:6
When the Lord executes judgment on the nations and evil powers (Is. 24), there is every reason for God’s people who have been delivered to praise and worship Him. The LORD is praised for His marvelous deeds in carrying out His plan: He destroyed the capital of a world empire that considered itself invulnerable against God and had oppressed God’s people.
At the same time, God shows His grace, love, and faithfulness by looking upon the oppressed and providing them with deliverance: He has proven to be a strong and secure fortress for them.
God dwells on Mount Zion, which is in His church. He is not only a source of joy for Israel there, but also for all nations that seek Him and are willing to serve Him. He Himself removes from them all the sorrow of their sins and every reproach from the enemy as a veil. Their greatest joy is that God grants them eternal life. He will permanently devour death as the punishment for sin (v.8, quoted in 1 Cor. 15:54!). He will also wipe away all tears from their faces (Rev. 7:17).
To share in this joy, they must take refuge in the LORD and continue to expect Him in times of need (v.9). They will never be disappointed: “We have waited for Him, and He will save us.” This salvation is illustrated by God’s devastating judgment on Moab, which here represents all nations that rise up in pride against God. Ultimately, there will be nothing left of them (v.12, Rev. 14:8).
This is a reason for the faithful church to rejoice in the Lord (Rev. 18:20), fulfilling the mother promise given in Gen. 3:15. Thus, in this glorious prophecy, we hear about what will come to pass at the first and second coming of Christ.
How is our trust in God regarding the church?
Singing: Ps. 23:3