October 16, 2023

Today's Reading: Isaiah 25:6-9

Daily Lectionary: Deuteronomy 1:1-18, Matthew 5:1-20

And he will swallow up on this mountain the covering that is cast over all peoples, the veil that is spread over all nations. He will swallow up death forever.  (Isaiah 25:7)

In the Name + of Jesus. Amen. Many of us can probably remember a very special meal that we were a part of.  It may have been a meal that we anticipated like a birthday party or a holiday meal.  Eating with loved ones and friends is a very beautiful thing when you think about it. I would love to be able to sit down to a meal with my dad and grandparents and aunts and uncles who have passed on from this life.  Our reading from Isaiah points to a meal that is prepared for you and all who are faithful in Christ.  This meal is exquisite with the richest and most luxurious food and drink.  However, the meal is more than just sitting down to a tasty meal.  

The meal Isaiah speaks of today is the Feast of Victory of our God.   Listen to what the Lord does with this meal: “And he will swallow up on this mountain the covering that is cast over all peoples, the veil that is spread over all nations. He will swallow up death forever.”  Let those words sink in for a moment. “The Lord will swallow up death forever! Usually it is death that swallows us up. But the day is coming when the Lord will swallow up death itself. Forever. That is something to look forward to. For now death is like a veil, a shroud, a covering that is draped over all humanity.  Death is not something our Lord ever planned for us, our sins brought it upon us and death’s shadow has covered you your entire life. But the day is coming when that shroud will be lifted.  Until then we do not hunger or thirst.  Jesus continues to prepare a table here and now in the presence of our enemies of sin, death and the devil.  As you partake of the Holy Eucharist, you receive the forgiveness of sins that banishes death.  You are strengthened in the eternal promises of God are yours today and that a place is prepared for you at the marriage feast of the Lamb in His kingdom which has no end. 

The day is coming when “the Lord GOD will wipe away tears from all faces, and the reproach of his people he will take away from all the earth, for the LORD has spoken.” “Weeping may endure for a night, but joy cometh in the morning.” Joy, because the Lord has promised to swallow up death, forever and seat us at the feast of victory.  In the Name + of Jesus. Amen.

Now no more can death appall,  Now no more the grave enthrall;

You have opened paradise,  And Your saints in You shall rise.  Alleluia!  (LSB 633:6)

- Pastor Kent Schaaf is pastor at Grace Lutheran Church, Little Rock. AR..

Audio Reflections Speaker: Pastor Jonathan Lackey is the pastor at Grace Lutheran Church, Vine Grove, Ky.

Study Christ's words on the cross to see how you can show more Christlike grace in your life. Perfect for group or individual study, each chapter has a Q&A at the end, and the back of the book includes a leader guide. Available now from Concordia Publishing House.