25:4,5
During the time of judgement it is the poor who are most at risk, but during this time the Lord was a refuge for the poor and needy. “Why does God allow suffering?” and related questions are very common. Sometimes asked from a genuine desire to know or upset at the plight of the suffering, at other times just an excuse to avoid facing up to one's own failing or to our rebellion against God. There is no easy answer, and of we look for a complete pat answer we are wasting our time. But even in the difficult times there is still grace and mercy from God, we should look for the grace and mercy and make the most of it. This is likely to be the most effective route. Is there not an easier way? No, because the “ruthless are like a storm driving against the wall”. We do not appreciate the reality and full horror of evil. But the Lord will bring an end to the horror of the wicked.
25:6-8
Then the Lord will prepare a feast for all peoples. So we see again the universality of God’s salvation plans, plans covering all nations. And it is a feast of rich food and fine wines. Jesus used the picture of a banquet in some of His parables. The Lord will destroy the shroud that covers all peoples. We see evil in the world, we experience being affected by the evil of the world. This is very real, but we should strengthen ourselves with the certain hope that God has a plan to destroy the shroud that enfolds all people. This is no temporary fix, but a permanent one, for He will destroy the evil in the world. Death will be swallowed up, every tear will be wiped away, His people’s disgrace will be removed from the earth. We should note that Revelation is drawing heavily on Isaiah in some of the things that it says (Rev 7:14,17).
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