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. On this mountain the Lord Almighty will prepare a feast of rich food for all peoples, a banquet of aged wine— the best of meats and the finest of wines. On this mountain he will destroy the shroud that enfolds all peoples, the sheet that covers all nations; he will swallow up death forever. The Sovereign Lord will wipe away the tears from all faces; he will remove his people’s disgrace from all the earth. The Lord has spoken. In that day they will say, “Surely this is our God; we trusted in him, and he saved us. This is the Lord, we trusted in him; let us rejoice and be glad in his salvation.”
— Isaiah 25:1-9

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Behold and Rejoice
By Jennifer Kane

O Lord, our God, we lift Your name,
Your faithfulness we sing;
The ruins fall, the nations bow,
You reign, eternal King.

A refuge for the poor are You,
A shelter in the storm;
You still the pride of ruthless hearts,
And keep Your children warm.

Upon Your mountain shines the feast,
For every tribe and tongue;
Death swallowed up, the tears wiped clean,
Salvation’s song is sung.

“Behold our God, in Him we trust!
Rejoice, His grace is near!”
Forevermore His name we praise,
Our hearts in holy cheer.

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Scripture: Isaiah 25:1-9

The prophecy of Isaiah presents a stark and powerful contrast. On one hand, we see the “city of man”—a symbol of human pride, rebellion, and self-sufficiency. God declares that this city will become a heap of ruins, never to be rebuilt (v. 2). The achievements and powers that seem so permanent and intimidating in our daily news cycle are, in God’s sight, temporary and destined for judgment.

But this demolition is not an act of meaningless destruction. It is to make way for something glorious: the establishment of God’s city, His eternal kingdom. And what is this kingdom like? It is not a somber, austere place, but a mountain of joyous feasting.

Imagine the most celebratory, abundant, and joyful banquet you can. This is the picture God gives us. It is a feast for all peoples—a celebration of grace and inclusion for all who trust in Him. At this table, every longing is satisfied, not just physically but spiritually.

And then comes the most tender and hope-filled series of promises ever uttered:
He will swallow up death forever: The great enemy of humanity, the source of our deepest fear and grief, will be utterly destroyed.
The Lord God will wipe away tears from all faces: This is an intimate, personal gesture. Our God does not merely stop the cause of tears; He Himself, with divine compassion, will dry our eyes. Every tear shed in loneliness, pain, loss, and shame will be tenderly wiped away.
He will take away our reproach: The shame of our sin, the sting of our failures, the accusations of the enemy—all will be removed forever.

This is not a fairy tale. This is the certain future for everyone who is in Christ. The resurrection of Jesus was the first fruits of this reality, the down payment guaranteeing its fulfillment.

So, when you become discouraged by the evil in this world or weighed down by the struggles in your own life, remember: This is what you have to look forward to. The chaos of the news, the pain in your body, the grief in your heart—these are the ruins of the “city of man.” But they are temporary. The feast is coming. The tears will be dried. Death will be no more.

The chapter ends with a cry of triumphant faith: “This is the Lord; we have waited for him; we will be glad and rejoice in his salvation.” Our waiting is not in vain. Our God is faithful, and our salvation is sure.

What burden are you carrying today? Bring it to the foot of the mountain where the feast is prepared. In prayer, consciously release your anxiety about world events or personal struggles to the God who has promised to wipe your tears. Let the certainty of your future joy fuel your present worship and endurance.

The Scripture offers a solemn warning. The “city of man”—a life built on self, sin, and independence from God—will ultimately perish. But you are invited to the feast. You can exchange a destiny of ruin for a destiny of rejoicing. This salvation is found only through faith in Jesus Christ, who conquered death to bring us life. Today, you can turn from trusting in yourself and place your trust in Him.

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Lord God, we praise You for Your wonderful plans, faithful and sure. When we are tempted to despair at the ruins of this world, remind us of the mountain of Your presence and the feast of Your joy. Strengthen our hearts to wait for You with hope and patience. We choose today to be glad and rejoice in Your salvation, for You are our God, and You are faithful. In the mighty name of Jesus, the guarantee of our hope, Amen.

October 1 2025