The Old Testament reading in many churches this Easter is Isaiah 25:6-9. It includes these words:
On this mountain the LORD Almighty will prepare
a feast of rich food for all peoples, …
On this mountain he will destroy
the shroud that enfolds all peoples, …
he will swallow up death forever.
The Sovereign LORD will wipe away the tears from all faces; …
In that day they will say,
“Surely this is our God;
we trusted in him, and he saved us. …
let us rejoice and be glad in his salvation.”
What a splendid promise, with remarkable imagery! Death—which is known to “swallow up” every human being—will itself “be swallowed up” by God.
We know how this has been accomplished: God’s holy Son, Jesus Christ, died on the cross, taking the punishment that you and I and everyone in the human race deserved for our sins. Jesus rose from the dead, breaking the power of death. When Jesus returns on Judgment Day and raises our bodies from the grave, then death will be destroyed forever.
In the great resurrection chapter of the New Testament, Paul has the same imagery:
When the perishable has been clothed with the imperishable, and the mortal with immortality, then the saying that is written will come true: “Death has been swallowed up in victory.”
These promises provide true comfort and joy, no matter what our earthly circumstances are. As believers in Jesus in the “mountain” of the New Testament church, we have a spiritual “feast” right now—as we receive the forgiveness of sins through the means of grace. In the end, we will enjoy heaven, where every tear will be wiped away.
And notice that this promise is extended to “all peoples”—a phrase significant for us in the CELC. In the Old Testament era, the Gentiles often were enemies of Israel. But in the salvation prophecies, the Gentiles are included! God’s blessings in Christ are for people of all nations.
As we celebrate the heart of our faith in the commemoration of Christ’s death and resurrection, it’s natural to think of fellow believers around the world who are celebrating with us. May Easter joy be with all of you. “Let us rejoice and be glad in his salvation.”
Submitted by Thomas Nass, CELC President
