Thoughts for the Day

On this mountain the Lord of hosts will make for all peoples
a feast of rich food, a feast of well-matured wines,
of rich food filled with marrow, of well-matured wines strained clear.
And he will destroy on this mountain
the shroud that is cast over all peoples,
the sheet that is spread over all nations;
he will swallow up death for ever.
Then the Lord God will wipe away the tears from all faces,
and the disgrace of his people he will take away from all the earth,
for the Lord has spoken.
It will be said on that day,
Lo, this is our God; we have waited for him, so that he might save us.
This is the Lord for whom we have waited;
let us be glad and rejoice in his salvation.
For the hand of the Lord will rest on this mountain.

(Lectionary, New Revised Standard Version)

Thoughts

Where in this world do we find nations working together? We might think of the United Nations, with its 193 sovereign states. It is the world's largest intergovernmental organization and all have equal representation in the General Assembly. Its strap-line says its aim is to work towards 'peace, dignity, and equality on a healthy planet'. For over 80 years it has sought to look at huge issues that affect much of the world and mediate between countries, and it has done some sterling work particularly to do with peace-keeping in the past. But this has not stopped delegates walking out or vehemently disagreeing with one another over issues like global warming, or the question of refugees.

In contrast as we move into Advent Isaiah gives us a beautiful picture of the future (in microcosm) when God's Kingdom is complete. Here we see a glorious banquet with wonderful food and wine where all God's people are gathered from across all the nations. No one has been left out. Sorrow and teas are banished and death is no more. All those invited revel in God's abundant generosity and in His love.

This passage reminds us to seek God as a refuge when life gets difficult, and that we should trust in His promises. We are to be patient resting in God's timing, trusting that He will ultimately work out things for our good. In the meantime we can learn from Him to be generous and kind to others, creating an example of inclusive friendship that spreads His love and joy to our family, our church, our work-place, or our community.

Lord God,
as we look forward to the coming of Your Kingdom,
when wars will cease and peace will reign,
help us to catch a glimpse of Your vision.
Open our eyes to see Your purpose for our lives,
and for those around us.
Help us to align our actions with Your will,
that our steps may in some small way
advance the coming of Your Kingdom on earth.
Amen.