The prophet Isaiah tells us about a special feast.
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. Isaiah 25:6 (NIV)
Holidays inevitably bring thoughts of food. We can’t help it. Even if your family never had a special meal for Christmas, media constantly bombards you with the idea that the “ideal” family eats well. Think of your favorite holiday book or movie. It’s hard to imagine one that doesn’t end with a family gathered around the table.
Our world seems to be getting darker. Wars and rumors of violence may begin to invade our peace, and more refugees flood our borders–making it harder for us to feast without a sense of guilt. How can I eat well knowing that there are thousands going without? Or, to consider the other side of the spectrum, why am I going without while others enjoy their rich foods?
Soon, the Tables Will Be Turned
The sins of violence, aggression, idol-worship, and oppression were sure to be judged, as Isaiah shares. However, there were other sins just as worthy of God’s wrath. In Isaiah 24, He begins to reveal these sins and open our eyes to what displeases Him with this verse: “The earth is defiled by its people; they have disobeyed the laws, violated the statutes and broken the everlasting covenant” (Isa. 24:5).
How had the people disobeyed the laws and statutes of the Lord? Later verses show that the Israelites had been revelers and heavy drinkers. What is wrong with having a little so-called fun? When we put our pleasure above the desires of the Lord, we are heading down the road of sin. Who does the Lord care for? The poor and needy. He provided for their needs while His people neglected them. “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” (Isa. 25:4-5a).
Are you living a good life without caring for those less fortunate? Does God want you to think less of your own desires and more for others? Is your desire for pleasure leading you to neglect others? The Lord provides for those in need and expects His people to do the same.
Grace and Peace
*This is an excerpt from my Advent devotional, When You Don’t Feel Like Celebrating, published by Ambassador International. Get your copy today at your favorite book distributor.
Click HERE if you missed the last Wednesday Wisdom post. To see more posts from my Christmas collection, click HERE.
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