READING: Isaiah 23-25, Philippians 1
“He will swallow up death forever.”
Isaiah 25:8
Sometimes we just need a reminder of the hope that God gives. Life can get difficult, and troubles seem overwhelming and burdensome. In the midst of questions and worries, we forget the promises of God. And, too often, we back away from reading the Word and praying.
When we do that, we miss the opportunity to hear these kinds of promises from the Word: “He will swallow up death forever; and the Lord God will wipe away tears from all faces, and the reproach of his people he will take away from all the earth, for the Lord has spoken” (Isa. 25:8). Isaiah’s 25th chapter is a song of praise before God, honoring Him for both His faithfulness and His marvelous deeds. Here, He is the One who eradicates death—the One who announced the judgment of death is also the One who determines when the judgment ends. He will wipe away the tears caused not only by death, but also by the stings of life. No longer will His people face reproach, as their sin will be removed and their enemies will be conquered. In His timing, God will reign.
New Testament writers, of course, picked up on these themes. God will abolish death (1 Cor. 15:54, 2 Tim. 1:10, Rev. 20:14), and He will wipe away tears (Rev. 7:17, 21:4). Thus, the early believers shared with the prophet Isaiah their mutual hope and trust that God would reign in His glory forever, and they would be blessed to share in His kingdom. The enemy would not win.
If you and I are both believers, we share that same hope. What we must do in faith is to so trust the promises of eternity that we live differently today. No matter what we face this day, we are on the winning side.
ACTION STEPS:
- Trust that God is in control today. Rejoice in His promises.
- Let Him wipe away your tears today.
PRAYER: “Father, I praise You that You alone are God. Help me to trust Your promises today.”
TOMORROW’S READING: Isaiah 26-27, Philippians 1
