Isaiah 25:1-12.  Chapter 24 described the end of the world.  Well not really the end of the world but the end of the world as we know it.  The world we live in is under a curse, a curse brought on by the disobedience of Adam and Eve (Genesis 2:16-17; 3:1-24) and deserved by each of us as we continue to be disobedient to God.  Adam and Eve lived in a paradise designed to be the permanent place for mankind to live.  In Genesis the paradise lost, will be the paradise restored in Revelation 20-21.  At that time mankind will live in peace with God and each other and God will be our king (Isaiah 24:23).

Chapter 25 of Isaiah divides into three paragraphs (verses 1-5, 6-8, 9-12).  The first and third paragraphs are songs (or at least the lyrics to what could be songs).  In the first paragraph the song begins with a declaration to Yahweh (LORD) that he is my God.  He is lifted up (exalted, like a pitcher or coach after a big win) because he has done (past tense) great things.  Things he had planned long ago and been faithful to follow through on.  Bad guys have been dealt with and the helpless and needy have been taken care of.  Notice that the description of the bad guys includes a fortified city and a palace, this kind of reminds us of one of the main ideas of Isaiah, God is going to deal with pride.  Verses 3 gives hope to all of us though because it looks like some of the strangers and ruthless people will switch to God’s side.  I like it that the door to Heaven is open for all who will return to God.

The second paragraph describes a banquet or feast.  This feast is “on this mountain”.  Remember that Isaiah was a prophet to Judah (the southern kingdom of Israel) and the capital was Jerusalem that sits on the top of a mountain.  That is the mountain Isaiah is talking about.  It is sometimes called mount Zion.  This banquet is going to have great food but there is something even better at this party.  First there is a present, the covering or veil in verse 7 is described in verse 8, death.  Death, the great consequence of the curse, will be removed.  And check out the results no more tears and no more being in trouble with God (reproach means to turn aside, the idea is like God has turning his back on us but now we are friends again).  This is a “done deal” because God has said so.

The final paragraph is another song but this one is kind of mixed.  For Isaiah and all those who have put their eternity into God’s hands it is a happy song but for others it is scary.  God will protect the mountain and the kingdom of people it represents but for those who have not given their lives to God there is trouble.  Moab was a very proud people who had been trouble for the Israelites since Moses had led them to the land (See Deuteronomy 23:3-5).  So this song is not so much about Moab, but rather is using Moab as an example pride and opposition to God (see verse 11).  The description of the trouble is gross.  God’s enemies are like straw thrown down over manure (cow poop) so people could walk over it without getting too much on their feet.  The straw tries to “swim” out to the middle of the icky mess but will not be able to.  Yuck.  What a contrast with the banquet of God.

So Paradise lost in Genesis is Paradise regained in Revelation.  Past events, in the first song, are proof of future promises. But there is a down side to all of this.  There are people who will not take advantage of the salvation that God is offering, they will try to get to God on their own, and fail.  This chapter in Isaiah really shows the reality of there only being two sides.  Jesus said he is the only way to God, you just can’t get back to God any other way (John 14:6).  The book of Hebrews tells us that it is appointed for men to die once and after that there will be a judgment (Hebrews 9:27).  Revelation 20:11-15 describes that judgment and the result is not good for those who’s names are not written in the book of life.  That book is also called the “Lamb’s Book of Life” (Revelation 21:27) a reference to Jesus and the fact that he is the only way to God (See “The Old Testament Connection”).  In Hebrews 3-4 it talks about having a restored relationship with God and calls it “his rest”.  In Hebrews 4:7 we are told that it is possible to have a part in that wonderful eternity but we must respond to God.  We cannot have a hard heart but must turn our lives over to Him.  There are clearly two ways to spend eternity, with God or without Him.  The things God has done so far are our proof that he will follow through on the rest of the plan.  The question is, which side will you be on in eternity?   I hope you will choose the banquet.  I look forward to eating with you there and singing to honor God.  Lord thank you that the offer is to all the strangers and ruthless people.  I once was one of those.  But now I am your people, adopted by you into your forever family.  Thank you for Jesus who paid the price and opened the door to Heaven.  I don’t think I will really understand until I get there but help me have a passion for eternity here and now.  Help me not get caught up in life so much that I miss seeing what you are doing and honoring you here and now.  Help me see so I can help others see.  Thank you for your patience and faithfulness.

PS.  Sorry this got published late.  I had a hard week of moving dirt and concrete.