The Mountain of God

September 11, 2016 Background Scripture: Isaiah 25 Lesson Passage: Isaiah 25:6 – 10a In today’s lesson, Isaiah looks through the telescope of prophecy to a time beyond Calvary’s crucifixion, the day of Pentecost, and the current Church Age. He peers at the Millennial Age and observes God’s celebration on Mt. Zion. On either side of the celebration Isaiah observed the judgment of God against His enemies. But the central focus of the lesson is the banquet celebration God has planned and made ready. Of significance, it should be noted that it was not a Jewish celebration but one that involved all people(s). This is what made the Church Age necessary. The sowing of the gospel into the world and the reaping of the saints from among all nations of the earth were necessary as part of the banquet preparation. This is part of the covenant God made with Abram when He promised that all nations of the world would be blessed through Abram. The current Church Age is the fulfillment of it. Central to all things in the bible is the Calvary crucifixion. If the banquet were held prior to Calvary, the description of the guests would be very different. Isaiah 25 is a sandwich presentation of the blessings of the millennial kingdom cast between two judgments of God against His enemies and the enemies of His people. The beginning of the chapter details God’s judgment against the once proud earthly nations that were rebellious against God. Their rebellion led to oppressive measures against the people of God. The prophet noted that God’s plan of judgment is not spur-of-the-moment or reactionary. Rather, God’s plan was from long ago. God’s judgment is so complete that those cities will never be rebuilt. After the judgment, the millennial kingdom is set up on Mt. Zion. There, the people of God from every nation and tongue will be gathered. God has an elaborate banquet layout waiting. This is reminiscent of Jesus’ parable of a great feast being prepared and the honored guests being summoned when it is ready. The Lord of the feast expected a crowd and when it did not materialize with the arrival of the guests, he requested that all be invited from the highways and hedges of life. In the text, Isaiah described a lavish banquet that was prepared for all people(s) invited to the mountain. The description given of the banquet indeed reflects the luxuries of a wealthy Eastern host. No expense is spared in entertaining the invited guests. This celebration will proceed the ushering in of eternal life for the people of God. The declaration is given that death will be destroyed and tears will be removed. Whatever has caused shame to come to the people of God will be removed. This will happen because God has decreed that it will happen. Then we will celebrate our salvation because the patience of the saints will be exonerated. We will worship God in the beauty of holiness and joy will indeed overflow. All the promises of God will come to fruition on the Holy Mountain. All of the enemies of God’s people will be utterly destroyed, forever. That’s worth celebrating so God is planning the banquet. Robert C. Hudson September 2, 2016