He Will Swallow Up Death in Victory Is. 25:1-12 CLICK TITLE FOR AUDIO
In this passage, we are going to examine some of the things that occur during the Tribulation and at the Second Coming of Jesus Christ. Then we are going to make a practical application from this very doctrinal material. The doctrinal lessons cover:
The Destruction of Babylon – v.2 – this verse speaks of bringing a defended city to ruin so thoroughly that it will never be built again. Look at Rev 17:1-5 and Rev 18:2, 8-10, 17-21.
The Marriage Supper of the Lamb – v.6 – this verse speaks of a feast prepared by the Lord and served on “this mountain [Zion, Is 24:23].” That feast is the marriage supper of the Lamb served on earth after the Second Coming. Here the lesson digresses to a study of the chronological events that take place on the earth during the Tribulation and up in heaven at the same time. Before the Tribulation, the Church is raptured to heaven, thus ending the Church Age. On earth there will be a temporary time of peace, followed by 42 months of famine, pestilence, destruction and war as never seen before. In heaven, the church will go through the Judgment Seat of Christ to prepare the Bride for the Marriage of the Lamb followed by the marriage [Eph 5:24-27, Rev 19:7-8]. Then we return with the Lord at his Second Coming [Rev 19:11-15]. Following the destruction of the enemies of the Lord, we sit down to this feast [Lk 12:37]!
The Removal of the Vail – v.7 – right now “no man hath seen God at any time, {Jn 1:18]. But when Jesus returns, every eye shall see him [Rev 1:7]. God covers himself with a curtain or garment [Ps 104:1-2, 6; Heb 1:11-12; 1 Cor 13:12]. He will remove the curtain and reveal himself. The curtain appears to be the “deep” which is the sea above the universe that separates the second heaven from the third heaven [Gen 1:6-8; Ps 148:4; Job 38:30; Rev 4:6]. The Lord will eventually remove that sea [Rev 21:1] and God will dwell with his people [Rev 21:3].
The Swallowing up of Death – v.8 – Following the millennial reign of Jesus, he will swallow up death in victory and there will be no more death [1 Cor 15:20-26, 50-55; Rev 21:4]. For those of us who have received Jesus Christ, after our rapture, there will be “no more death” for us!
The Salvation of Israel – v.9-12 – Israel will turn to the true God, the Father of the Lord Jesus Christ and yet one with him. They will rejoice in his salvation and see the destruction of Moab, the wiping out of the proud enemies and their spoils and the destruction of their enemies’ fortresses.
The practical applications are:
Don’t get overly concerned about bad news – v.1 – the media have no idea about the truth of these doctrines. So, the picture they paint instills fear in people so they can be intimidated and controlled. For Bible believers, we can see out past the current events to the glorious results. Things have to get worse before the get better. That’s God’s plan and he is in charge!
Exalt and Praise the Lord – v.1 – it seems that everyone is turning against the Lord or they are afraid to let it be known that they are his children. Don’t buckle under the pressure. Exalt him and praise him in spite of the fact that he is not popular with the world. Through your joy and praise others will see your witness.