Isaiah 25
There are so many reasons for us to praise God. God has truly done wonderful things. Occasionally men accomplish great things without any real plan or intention to do so. This is never the case with God. God has had plans from long ago, good plans that he accomplishes perfectly.
These plans involve the deliverance of God’s people who are facing great troubles against powerful adversaries. God can take a strong city and make it a heap of ruins that will never be rebuilt. Ruthless foes threatened
It is always wonderful to see the violent plans of a powerful foe thwarted when they come up against the weak to destroy them. We rejoice at the reversal that puts the smaller wrestler in a commanding position while the big man is unexpectedly pinned. But there are some adversaries that are simply too strong for us, yet our God can easily stop the onslaught of the mightiest power. What could be more demoralizing to the desperately weak guardians of the homeland than the victory song of an overpowering enemy? But the Lord can take away that victory song in a moment.
It is easy to become nationalistic when our homeland is threatened. It is easy to root for the home team because that is what all your neighbors are doing as well. But is there something more for us in this chapter than standing up for familiar faces or seeking the well-being of those with whom we are most closely related? Is there something bigger than a local or temporary win? Is there something of greater eternal significance than simply hoping that the little guy will be able to survive another day when a massive military force arrayed against them?
The greatest celebration will come one day through the work of the Lord and through the fulfillment of His mighty plan. That victory is not merely the pushing away of a frightening foe so that we can live to fight another day. The work of our Messiah brought about the death of death through His own willing service as a substitute for sinners. This victory was world-changing and life-giving. The veil of misery and confusion over the nations has been lifted, Death is defeated and tears will all be wiped dry.
This may all seem too good to be real. But remember where we started at the beginning of this chapter. We mentioned the power of God and His unstoppable plan. The work of Jesus Christ from His conception to His current reign in heaven is just as securely unstoppable as the plan of the Father from before the foundation of the world shining forth in creation and providence. Redemption is just as sure as creation, because it is secured in the unchangeable promise of an unstoppable divine Savior. Wait upon Him in faith and hope. He will save you. His plan for you is so full and real that you should never dismiss it in unbelief. It is as easy for the Lord to bring about a world-changing earthquake that changes the earthly lives of millions as it is to secure His promise of a general resurrection and an eternity of heavenly glory.
There do exist powerful enemies who would love to be able to overturn the plans of God for the eternal good of His humble church. But these powers will not succeed. The cross was a decisive blow to Satan. There is simply no way that this devil and his allies will somehow win the victory in any future contest. You can live in the certainty that the powerful foes of the Lord haven been and will be most soundly defeated in the hour of the Lord’s choosing.
posted by Pastor Magee @ 7:00 AM
0 Comments:
Post a Comment
<< Home