SOAP 07/16/2015; Isaiah 25:1

Today's reading: Isaiah 25, 26, 27, 28; Hebrews 13

S) "¹ O Lord, You are my God;
I will exalt You, I will give thanks to Your name;
For You have worked wonders,
Plans formed long ago, with perfect faithfulness."

Isaiah 25:1 (NASB)

O) This chapter is, primarily, about God's final judgment. We read of restoration and communion, and God doing away with death and reproach. Isaiah used the words, "this is the LORD for whom we have waited," (v.9). So clearly, Isaiah was prophesying about a time far into the future. And yet, this was also several thousand years into creation already. Where we are today, two and a half millennia later, the opening verse becomes even more poignant. God has worked wonders for thousands of years, but He is not finished. He has done great, and even unimaginable wonders, but that's not even the best part. God has already written the ending, and it is the most wonderful of wonders. He has all of the sovereignty, authority, and power to execute it, just as He has planned it: with perfect faithfulness.

A) Indeed, my response to this is the same as Isaiah wrote, to exalt Him and give thanks to His name! In Christ, I am redeemed and saved. Not only for this, the most wonderful of endings, but that in the meantime I am now a willing and able participant in the gospel story. I am given, not simply the task, but the honor and privilege to share the gospel and make disciples. I will revere Him for what He has done and what He will do. I will serve Him for who He is.

P) Father, even in the tiny sliver of history, the vapor of breath that is my life, You have done such wonderful things. That is to say nothing of what You have done (and I'm sure, will do) within my own lifetime. That speaks nothing of what You have done historically, and will do beyond my time. So, whether focused only on my own testimony, or as I broaden my view, Your works are plainly evident, and they are wonderful. In light of everything You have done, make me a willing vassal in service to You, that I may proclaim Your name to the world, and spread Your gospel, that all who can be saved will be saved. I pray that Your will is done. As I wait for that final day of salvation, I pray that You are glorified through my life. Let me honor You with everything I have. In Jesus's name I pray. Amen.