Reading: Isaiah 25:4-9

'Lavishness for His People'

'Lord of hosts will prepare a lavish banquet for all peoples on this mountain;
A banquet of aged wine, choice pieces with marrow,
And refined, aged wine'. v.6

The nature of God is a giving nature. We see it illustrated in this passage by the descriptive word, 'lavish'. When God prepares a table, He chooses the best aged wine. The God of the Old Testament is still the same in the New Testament. We see Jesus, when the wine runs out at the wedding in Cana of Galilee; He not only turns the water to wine, but to the finest of wines (John 2:1-12). So whether it is a banquet or a wedding, we see a great deal of thought and care goes into the preparation. God's 'lavishing' nature is a model for us. In Luke 14:12-15, He instructs us to have this attitude: "'When you give a luncheon or a dinner, do not invite your friends or your brothers or your relatives or rich neighbors, otherwise they may also invite you in return and that will be your repayment. But when you give a reception, invite the poor, the crippled, the lame, the blind, and you will be blessed, since they do not have the means to repay you; for you will be repaid at the resurrection of the righteous.' When one of those who were reclining at the table with Him heard this, he said to Him, "Blessed is everyone who will eat bread in the kingdom of God!" This man realized that a day would come that many would eat bread together at the lavish table in the kingdom of God. What favor God has bestowed on His people.

My Lord and my God, my heart is full of gladness, because you put it there. I'm so
unworthy, undeserving, unfit. And yet, knowing everything about me,
You still pour out Your limitless goodness to me.