571. ISA 25:6-8. THE GREAT FEAST

Isa_25:6-8. The Great Feast

"And in this mountain shall the Lord of hosts make unto all people a feast of fat things, a feast of wines on the lees, of fat things full of marrow, of wines on the lees well refined. And he will destroy in this mountain the face of the covering cast over all people, and the vail that is spread over all nations," &c.’97Isa_25:6-8.

There can be no doubt that the text has a distinct reference to gospel times and gospel blessings. Indeed it is quite clear that this is one of those rich evangelical passages with which the writings of Isaiah so fully abound. The text is a fine specimen of the eastern imagery with which the sacred scriptures are so beautifully fraught. Let us then, in the spirit of holy inquiring meditation, endeavor to ascertain the import of the theme under consideration. Observe then, the place,’97the festival,’97and the blessings identified with it. Observe,

I. The place. "In this mountain." No doubt referring to Zion. But Zion was typical of the Church of Christ, and therefore we are to understand this mountain to signify the Church or kingdom of the Saviour, represented as a mountain on account,

1. Of its elevation. In the world, but distinct from it: raised above it, rising heavenwards. Not of the earth, earthy’97but from heaven, and of heaven, heavenly. Hence Christ said of his people, "Ye are not of the world, even as I am not of the world." Sin sinks men into wretchedness and degradation. Grace lifts up, and the Church is midway between earth and heaven. Described as a mountain,

2. On account of its visibility. The prominency and visibility of the mountain are manifest to all. The mountain is seen at a distance. With the sun shining upon it, it cannot be hid. Just so the Saviour’s Church is to be seen and known. A city on a hill. A visible kingdom. A glorious building. Satan’s kingdom is set up and seen, and Christ’s is to confront it’97to overthrow it. On account,

3. Of its stability. The mountain is ever the symbol of firmness and immovableness. So the Church of Christ is invulnerably secure and immovable. Like Mount Zion, it cannot be moved. "On this rock will I build my church," &c. All the efforts of earth and hell have been unable to overthrow it. Observe,

II. The festival. Now this feast is to be in the Church,’97in the kingdom of grace. As a rich feast, it is to be distinguished for,

1. Its variety. The banquet table is strewed with the most varied and choicest dainties from the eastern pasture and vineyard. All spiritual blessings are provided in the gospel feast. Stores for the understanding. For the judgment. For the conscience. For the affections. Every exigency met, every want and holy desire supplied. For,

2. Its abundance. Here is plenty. No lack. Enough, and to spare, &c. Enough for each, &c. For,

3. Its hilarity. A joyful feast. Such was the feast when the prodigal was received back. Gospel blessings filled with joy, &c.’97See Psa_63:4, Psa_63:5. See an emblem of it in the case of the Jews in Nehemiah’s time.’97Neh_8:9, &c. It is in the Church we may sing,

"The sorrows of the mind," &c.

The kingdom of God is not meat and drink,

Notice,

III. The blessings identified with it.

1. The entire removal of moral darkness, Isa_25:7. "Darkness hath covered the earth," &c. "Ye were sometime dark," &c. The gospel shall remove it. Introduce into day. The mists are dispelled by the power of the rising sun. So shall the Sun of righteousness arise, &c. "All his people shall be taught of the Lord," &c. "Now ye are the children of light and of the day." Gospel knowledge shall be universal, cover the earth, &c.

2. The complete conquest of death. Death has been a ravager, a conqueror, &c. A whirlpool, or abyss, swallowing up nations, &c. But death is to be engulfed and swallowed up.

This was the case in Christ’s resurrection. He overcame death, &c. He has now the keys, &c. He is now the resurrection, &c.

This is the case when the Christian, by faith, triumphs over it. To many, to die would be gain. They are delivered from all fear. They conquer, and cheerfully face it, and have the spiritual conquest over it.

In the great resurrection then shall it be swallowed up, and be no more. Swallowed up in eternity. See 1Co_15:20-26. See also 1Co_15:52, &c.

3. The public justification of his people. "The rebuke of his people," &c., Isa_25:8. Here they have been maligned, reproached, misrepresented, despised. Then they shall be vindicated, confessed, honored. Their choice. Their sincerity. Their worth, shall all be made evident before angels, and men, and devils.

4. Every source of sorrow shall then be removed. "God shall wipe away tears," &c. They now sojourn in the valley of tears. They sow in tears. Tears often their meat, &c. But they shall be wiped, &c. God shall do it, and forever.

Application

1. Congratulate the inhabitants of this mountain. Happy are ye. Rejoice in hope. "For the mouth of the Lord," &c.

2. Invite strangers, yea all, &c. It is a east for all people, &c. Plead, urge, &c.

Autor: JABEZ BURNS