Wait (Isaiah 25)
Isaiah 25:1 (ESV) — 1 O Lord, you are my God; I will exalt you; I will praise your name, for you have done wonderful things, plans formed of old, faithful and sure.
What a powerful declaration! This verse sets the tone for our entire study. It's a song of praise from the prophet Isaiah, recognizing God's sovereignty, faithfulness, and the wondrous works He has accomplished. These words are not just a proclamation; they are a deeply personal acknowledgment of God's character and His unwavering commitment to His plans.
As we dive into Isaiah 25, we'll discover how this chapter beautifully unfolds the truth of this opening verse. We'll see God's faithful hand at work, bringing about His wonderful plans amidst a world often marked by struggle and despair. This chapter is full of hope, woven with the promises of victory over death, the defeat of our enemies, and the joyous feast awaiting us on God's mountain – the New Jerusalem.
Friends, prepare your hearts. Today, we're going to explore how these ancient promises are not just words on a page but are as alive and active as ever. They speak directly into our lives, offering comfort, guidance, and a reason to praise God just as Isaiah did. We'll see how these promises find their ultimate fulfillment in Jesus Christ and how our trust in God is not just well-placed but is the foundation of our hope and joy.
So, let's journey together, with open hearts and minds, ready to be transformed by the wonderful plans God is faithfully bringing about.
Destroying The Enemies
Let's dive into Isaiah 25:2-5 and 7-8. As we unpack these verses, I want you to imagine the scene in Isaiah's time. Picture the prophet, standing amidst the ruins of once-powerful cities, witnessing the downfall of formidable enemies. Isaiah sees this not just as a moment in history, but as a profound demonstration of God's sovereignty and power.
Isaiah declares in verse 2, 'For you have made the city a heap, the fortified city a ruin.' Remember back in chapter 7, when God promised to protect Judah from its enemies? Well, God delivered on that promise. He has shown, time and again, that He is in control, that He can and will defeat the enemies of His people. The promises we saw from chapters 13-24 will all take place.
Now, why is this important for us today? Because it's not just about ancient cities and long-gone adversaries. This is about the character of our God. It's about a God who keeps His promises, who is unchanging in His power and faithfulness. When God says He will destroy His enemies, He means it. And when He promises salvation to His people, you can bet everything you have that He will deliver.
But wait, there's more. Let's jump to verses 7-8. Here, Isaiah hits us with the most amazing statement ever: 'He will swallow up death forever.' This is it, folks—the greatest enemy of all, death itself, is going down. This isn't just some metaphorical victory; this is the real deal. God is not just defeating earthly foes; He's taking on the last enemy, the enemy everyone fears, and the one that has haunted humanity since the Garden of Eden.
Imagine the audacity of this promise! In a world where death seems like the one unbeatable foe, our God says, 'Watch me.' He's not just offering us a temporary reprieve or a consolation prize. He's promising total, eternal victory. This is the God we serve—a God who looks at death, the ultimate enemy, and says, 'Your time is up.'
Friends, this is the gospel in its rawest, most powerful form. In Jesus Christ, this promise of defeating death becomes a reality. The resurrection of Jesus is God's triumphant shout over the grave. It's the assurance that every promise He has made, He will fulfill.
So, what does this mean for us? It means we can face our battles, our fears, and even death itself with a bold confidence. It means our trust in God is not just wishful thinking; it's anchored in the unshakeable reality of His power and faithfulness. It means we're on the winning side, not because of anything we've done, but because of who He is and what He has promised to do.
So, as we move forward today, let's hold onto this truth. Let's live in the light of God's victory over death and His promise of eternal life. And let's trust Him, not just with our words, but with our very lives, knowing that He is faithful to save and powerful to deliver."
The Promise of a Feast for All Peoples
Now, let's turn our attention to the next heartwarming promise found in Isaiah 25:6: 'On this mountain the Lord of hosts will make for all peoples a feast of rich food, a feast of well-aged wine.' This isn't just any feast; it's a banquet of abundance, signifying joy, fellowship, and the end of scarcity and suffering.
In Isaiah's time, this promise offered a tangible hope to Judah. It wasn't just about physical nourishment; it was a symbol of God's provision and blessing. Imagine the people of Judah, weary from battles, besiegement, and uncertainty, hearing this promise. It's a vision of a future where their struggles are replaced with celebration, where they sit at a table overflowing with the best of the best, hosted by none other than the Lord Himself.
But, as grand as this promise was for Judah, it was just a glimpse of something even more magnificent. Fast forward to the New Testament, and we see this promise expanded and fulfilled in a way that Isaiah could only dream of.
Jesus, in His ministry, gave us previews of this great feast. Think of the miracle of feeding the five thousand, or the Last Supper. These weren't just random meals; they were foretastes of the great banquet to come. Jesus tells his disciples about the kingdom by referring to a marriage feast. And then, in Revelation, we read about the wedding supper of the Lamb—a celebration marking the ultimate union between Christ and His church.
This feast is about more than just food and drink. It's about the fullness of life in God's presence. It's about the end of hunger and thirst, not just physically, but spiritually. It's about a community united, barriers broken down, and every tear wiped away.
So, what does this mean for us today? We enjoy times of plenty. We could have a big potluck and eat until we explode. But this means that our hope is not in the temporary comforts of this world, but in the eternal celebration prepared for us. It means that no matter what we face now—loneliness, pain, loss—we have an invitation to a feast where all will be made right.
As we reflect on this promise, let's allow it to fill us with joy and anticipation. Let's live as people who have a seat reserved at the greatest table ever set, where the host is our loving God, and the menu is His endless grace and mercy. And let's share this invitation with others, because this feast is not just for a few; it's for all peoples, from every nation, tribe, and tongue.
So, as we go about our week, let's carry this hope in our hearts. The feast is coming, and it's going to be more glorious than we can imagine. If we believe that God is able to deliver this, we ought to be joyful. It doesn’t matter what we lose or fail to experience in this life. God has promised us something better.
Waiting For God
Let's now turn our attention to Isaiah 25:9-10a. Here, we find words that resonate with every one of us who has ever waited on God. Isaiah writes, 'It will be said on that day, "Behold, this is our God; we have waited for him, that he might save us. This is the Lord; we have waited for him; let us be glad and rejoice in his salvation. For the hand of the Lord will rest on this mountain.”’
These verses capture the essence of what it means to have faith in God. Judah's wait for God's salvation was not a brief pause; it was a long, often painful road marked by trials and uncertainty. Yet, they held onto the hope that God would save them, as He had promised and they experienced salvation and renewal out of their darkest moments.
This waiting is not about inactivity or passivity. It's an active, faith-filled endurance. It's about trusting God's timing, even when it stretches far beyond our comfort zones. It's about believing in His promises, even when the circumstances around us scream otherwise. We, too, find ourselves in seasons of waiting. Maybe you're waiting for healing, for a breakthrough in a relationship, for a change in your circumstances, or for a deeper understanding of God's will. Whatever it is, the wait can feel excruciatingly long. It can test our faith to its limits. But genuine faith looks forward and demonstrates trust.
This waiting is not in vain. The story of Judah, and indeed the entire biblical narrative, shows us that God's timing is perfect. His salvation is worth the wait. When God acts, it's always at the right time, and His actions are more glorious and comprehensive than we could ever imagine. In the New Testament, we see this waiting fulfilled in the coming of Christ. The long-awaited Messiah, the ultimate demonstration of God's faithfulness. And now, we wait again – for His return, for the final realization of all God's promises.
The Challenges of Waiting: Understanding Our Struggle
Waiting is tough, isn’t it? Let's be honest; most of us don't like it. It goes against the grain of our fast-paced, instant-gratification culture. We live in a world where waiting is often seen as a waste of time, a hindrance to progress, or a sign of inefficiency. But why do we struggle so much with waiting, especially when it comes to God's timing? Let's explore some reasons and the underlying issues that make us unwilling to wait.
Firstly, we live in an age of instant results. We're used to getting things quickly – fast food, high-speed internet, same-day delivery services. This culture of immediacy seeps into our spiritual lives. We pray and then look for an immediate answer. When it doesn't come, we grow impatient, questioning God's timing or even His care for us.
Second, we hate waiting because it often means relinquishing control, acknowledging that we're not in charge. This can be uncomfortable, especially for those of us who like to have everything planned and sorted. In waiting, we're reminded of our limitations and our dependence on God, which can be a humbling experience. Sometimes waiting stirs up doubts and fears. We wonder if God really hears our prayers, if He truly cares, or if He's powerful enough to act. These doubts can be exacerbated by our circumstances, especially when we're facing trials or suffering. Our struggle with waiting can be tied to our own insecurities. We might feel unworthy of God's blessings or fear that He won't come through for us. These insecurities can create a sense of urgency and a desire for immediate validation.
At times, our unwillingness to wait is rooted in a misunderstanding of who God is. We might view Him as a cosmic vending machine, expecting Him to dispense answers and blessings at our command. Or, we might see Him as distant and uninterested in our lives. These misconceptions can lead to frustration and a lack of trust in His timing.
We're constantly bombarded with messages that promote self-reliance, immediate satisfaction, and the pursuit of personal comfort. These societal values can conflict with the biblical principle of waiting on God and trusting in His plans.
What do we do while we wait?
So, what do we do with these challenges? First, we need to recognize them for what they are – natural human responses in a fallen world. Then, we turn to Scripture, prayer, and community to find strength and perspective. We remind ourselves of God's character, His promises, and His track record of faithfulness. And we choose to trust Him, even when every fiber of our being wants to take control.
Waiting is not just about the outcome; it's about what God does in us during the wait. It's an opportunity for growth, for deepening our faith, and for learning to rely on God more fully. When we embrace waiting as a part of God's plan, we open ourselves up to His work in our lives, and we find peace and joy in the journey. We haven’t been saved to sit around and wait or to entertain ourselves. We’ve been saved to work. God’ has work for us to do. Also, when trials come our way, we find opportunities to do the best work for God.
1. Holding On and Keeping the Faith
The number one thing we must do while we wait is hold on and keep the faith. These aren't just passive actions; they're active choices we make every day. To 'hold on' means to cling to God's promises, even when the winds of doubt and fear are blowing strong. It's like a ship anchored in a storm; the waves may toss it, but the anchor holds it steady. Our anchor is the truth of God's Word and His unchanging character.
Keeping the faith is similar. It means maintaining our trust in God, regardless of the circumstances. It's a conscious decision to believe that God is good, that He loves us, and that He is working all things for our good. This isn't blind optimism; it's a faith grounded in the reality of who God is and what He's done for us in Christ.
So, what does this look like practically? It means daily reminding ourselves of God's promises. It means choosing to trust God even when things don't make sense. It involves spending time in His Word, letting its truth saturate our hearts and minds. And it's about pressing on in the work God has given you in spite of past failures or continual trials. But, above all, we need to be praying, pouring out our hearts to God, and letting His Spirit comfort and strengthen us.
2. Finding Strength in Community, Scripture, and Prayer
God can comfort and strengthen us in multiple providential ways, but one way we know he chooses to do that is through our church community. So, while we wait, we need to lean on each other. Encouragement is a powerful tool in our waiting seasons. We are supposed to come alongside one another, speaking words of hope and truth. We remind each other of God's past faithfulness – how He's come through for us before and how He'll do it again. Encouragement can come through a timely word, a shared scripture, or just being present in someone's struggle.
Community plays a crucial role here. God didn't design us to go through life alone; we're meant to journey together. In community, we find support, understanding, and accountability while we wait for God to deliver his promises. When one person is weak, another is strong. We pray for each other, bear each other's burdens, and celebrate each other's victories.
Scripture is our ultimate source of encouragement. It's God's love letter to us, full of promises, guidance, and truth. In the Bible, we find stories of people just like us who waited on God and saw His faithfulness. We also find the direct words of God, speaking life and hope into our situations.
Prayer, too, is vital. It's our direct line to God, where we can express our fears, doubts, and desires. In prayer, we also listen, allowing God to speak to our hearts, renewing our strength and giving us peace.
We hold on. We keep the faith. We encourage each other with reminders of God's past faithfulness and His sure promises. We find strength in community, in Scripture, and in prayer. And we live with hope, knowing that the One we wait for is faithful and true.
The end of our waiting will be more than worth it. When we finally see God's plans come to fruition, when we witness His salvation in its fullness, our hearts will echo the words of Isaiah: 'This is our God; we have waited for him, that he might save us.' And oh, what a glorious day that will be!
So, as we navigate the trials and the waiting periods of our lives, let's do so with steadfast hope and unshakeable faith. God's salvation is on the way, and it will be more wonderful than anything we could ever imagine."
Conclusion
Remember, trusting in God's plan doesn't mean we understand everything that happens. It means we believe in a God who is wise, loving, and working all things for our good and His glory. Trusting God and waiting on His promises is a journey, often a difficult one, but it's a journey that leads to spiritual maturity, deeper faith, and ultimately, the fulfillment of God's wonderful promises."
So, as we go forward this week, let's hold onto this trust. Let's view our current challenges in the light of God's eternal promises. And let's walk in the confidence that our God is faithfully working out His perfect plan for our lives."