Our scripture this morning is Isaiah 25:1-5.
Lord, you are my God; I will exalt you and praise your name, for in perfect faithfulness you have done wonderful things, things planned long ago. You have made the city a heap of rubble, the fortified town a ruin, the foreigners’ stronghold a city no more; it will never be rebuilt. Therefore strong peoples will honor you; cities of ruthless nations will revere you. You have been a refuge for the poor, a refuge for the needy in their distress, a shelter from the storm and a shade from the heat. For the breath of the ruthless is like a storm driving against a wall and like the heat of the desert. You silence the uproar of foreigners; as heat is reduced by the shadow of a cloud, so the song of the ruthless is stilled.
The prophet Isaiah praises God for His protection, remembering Him going before Israel into the Promised Land. They had to fight for this territory, but God had led them there and assured them of His blessing. This prophecy also looks ahead to a day when God’s justice will come upon the earth “so the song of the ruthless is stilled”.
While God is a loving Father who cares for His children, He is the creator of all things and will crush evil when the time He has chosen comes. Paul reminds us “For we know him who said, “It is mine to avenge; I will repay,” and again, “The Lord will judge his people.” It is a dreadful thing to fall into the hands of the living God” (Hebrews 10:30-31). Those who recognize their sins and turn to Him in repentance can be forgiven. However, Paul also writes “Do not be deceived: God cannot be mocked. A man reaps what he sows” (Galatians 6:7).
If we are willing to choose Him, we can be saved to eternal life. God honors those who honor Him. He blesses us to go in His name to share His love, that all the world may come to know Him.
Heavenly Father, we are grateful for all the gifts You have given us. Help us to use our blessings well, that Your kingdom may come on earth. Amen.
