Isaiah 25

“O Lord, you are my God! I will exalt you in praise, I will extol your fame. For you have done extraordinary things, and executed plans made long ago exactly as you decreed. Indeed, you have made the city into a heap of rubble, the fortified town into a heap of ruins; the fortress of foreigners is no longer a city, it will never be rebuilt. So a strong nation will extol you; the towns of powerful nations will fear you. For you are a protector for the poor, a protector for the needy in their distress, a shelter from the rainstorm, a shade from the heat. Though the breath of tyrants is like a winter rainstorm, like heat in a dry land, you humble the boasting foreigners. Just as the shadow of a cloud causes the heat to subside, so he causes the song of tyrants to cease. The Lord who commands armies will hold a banquet for all the nations on this mountain. At this banquet there will be plenty of meat and aged wine – tender meat and choicest wine. On this mountain he will swallow up the shroud that is over all the peoples, the woven covering that is over all the nations; he will swallow up death permanently. The sovereign Lord will wipe away the tears from every face, and remove his people’s disgrace from all the earth. Indeed, the Lord has announced it! At that time they will say, “Look, here is our God! We waited for him and he delivered us. Here is the Lord! We waited for him. Let’s rejoice and celebrate his deliverance!” For the Lord’s power will make this mountain secure. Moab will be trampled down where it stands, as a heap of straw is trampled down in a manure pile. Moab will spread out its hands in the middle of it, just as a swimmer spreads his hands to swim; the Lord will bring down Moab’s pride as it spreads its hands. The fortified city (along with the very tops of your walls) he will knock down, he will bring it down, he will throw it down to the dusty ground.”

— ‭‭Isaiah‬ ‭25‬:‭1‬-‭12‬‬

 I am no Isaiah expert. It’s often repetitive and themes often overlap. Sometimes, the prophet is discussing past events. Sometimes he is looking forward. (Many times we can’t tell which, or we assume it’s future, when it’s really present events for his own time).

This chapter appears to be praise to God because not only is He powerful and majestic but also faithful. He keeps the plans that He said throughout the ages. The words for faithfulness in v 1 are trustworthy and reliable back to back.

The difficulty I had in reading this was “the city” in v. 2. Would this be Jerusalem, looking forward (or another author/editor looking back)? Is the author speaking proleptically? Since the overall chapter is about God’s rescue of His people and the collapse of the pride, it could be the wicked people of Israel, but there’s enough about their rescue that makes me think this is not Jerusalem’s capture. The destruction of the “fortified city” at the end probably connects the two. Moab is going to be overthrown. Israel’s long time enemy will fall, and the proud will lose their source of boasting.

Then the inhabitants will not only know the power of God but also fear Him. God’s character is one of caring for the poor, the needy, the outcast. I’m assuming by stating these things that Moab’s priorities were not the same as God’s. (We know that Israel often struggled with this, too.)

“All nations” — again my limited knowledge of Isaiah still makes me think of Gen 12:3 where blessing goes out to all through Abraham. Isaiah has a couple verses about Israel being a light to Gentiles/the nations. Though Moab falls, God is going to have a feast for the nations. He is redeeming/restoring the whole world, and ideally, it was going to happen through Israel. Their Messiah represents them and accomplishes the mission.

NET makes a note that ancient cultures had many myths about death’s mouth. It would swallow people. So that YHWH swallows death is shocking. This is the cloud that covers everyone/all nations. Many argue that Daniel 2:12 is the clearest and earliest mention of bodily resurrection in the OT. I don’t know how an ancient people would understand the swallowing of death—maybe not dying to being with. It’s nothing to fear anymore. There may be indications/hints of life after death. 

This would be the ultimate rescue. Deliverance from enemies is one thing, but salvation from death-the final enemy-is quite another. Perhaps this chapter uses death as a symbol of Israel’s worst enemies. Whatever the referents, the point is clear that God is more powerful than all. And the proud will not stand before Him.

“Dusty ground” Dust is usually a sign of mortality, from the beginning. All those similes/metaphors at the end for Moab are strong, referencing their weakness compared to YHWH. 

American Christianity and the Individualized Gospel

 [Queue overused joke/phenomenon of being scared or disinterested in talking to our neighbors vs. “the good ol’ days when everyone knew and talked to everyone else”]

Huge caveat here that this post is specifically focused on churches in the US. Why? Because that’s what I’ve experienced. Yes, I have travelled around the world but not extensively, and certainly not enough to speak about church elsewhere. And even these general statements are broad brushstrokes to be sure. Different regions of the US (and local congregations) cannot be judged by what’s said here. 

I would think generally, though, that the culture of the US is becoming more individualized. Sure, we come together for parties or sporting events or graduations. But by and large, we like to keep to ourselves, our families, and our immediate circles. The pandemic certainly didn’t help this. We were shoved into isolation for large portions of time, and we are still seeing side affects of this, regardless of age, occupation, gender, personality, and other background traits.

Individualism and commercialism go hand in hand. What’s in it for me? How does x or y benefit me? Commercials scream at us about how this product will make our life better. Politicians literally scream at us about how they will improve our daily living. We save for retirement to make future years more comfortable than they would be otherwise. 

Asking for help is usually a last resort. Admitting a failure or mistake is gut wrenching—mostly because culture or community or even friends/family may even completely abandon us. We are forced often to depend on ourselves.

Again, I can’t speak of cultures globally, and I don’t want to stereotype too much, but I know at least ancient cultures were not this way. Commitment to family and community was much stronger. (Of course, there were exceptions). I believe and have researched/heard a bit from others/friends/scholars that Eastern cultures typically have a closer bond. 

Culture is one thing. The real issue is when the Lone Ranger mentality creeps into the church. If I think that I can follow Jesus all by lonesome, I’m severely mistaken. Granted, people are morons. They make mistakes. They lie, annoy, and refuse to listen. They get angry and prideful. And that’s just those who claim to know Jesus.

I have been in a local church since before I was born. I have seen the best and the worst of Christians—well, not the worst. But I am well aware of our greatest sins throughout history, and I am appalled. 

And when I enter conversation with those equally disgusted, I concede much of our errors, and my errors. 

But this is not that time. 

This is a call to remember that the church is the bride of Christ. He loved/loves her. He died for her. And if anyone thinks they can love/follow Jesus and not the church, they don’t love Jesus.

Love is a weird word, though, because sometimes it can mean calling out our errors and flaws. Sometimes it can mean serving and being fully involved in ministry. Sometimes it can mean giving all we have to those in need. Sometimes it can mean cheering for others as they do what we are unable to do.

Here are some specific ways that this mindset of an “individualized gospel” can play out in the American church:

Attendance: This may seem too obvious, but if someone does not see himself/herself as integral to the body of Christ, he/she will not gather with other believers. We have seen this since the pandemic, and in many cases, that’s ok. I’m not arguing for putting people in danger. Personal health is an important factor, and everyone must make their own decisions. 

But as a chaplain I enter many homes where the recurring chorus is “We went to church up until the pandemic. Now it’s just harder to go.” And the patient may or may not have extended family nearby. But every time, my heart skips a beat, knowing there’s a whole community of people waiting with gross potato salad and stale rolls. A merry band of individuals to come pray, read books, sing songs, play Checkers, anything to make each day more memorable and bring joy. Could the local church reach out automatically and do all this? I suppose. But if someone stops coming for years, it’s awfully difficult to expect a church to keep up with illnesses or family history. At least inform them of the circumstances. 

Worship: This is no time to debate every lyric of Hillsong, Bethel, and Elevation. If we put several hymns and modern CCM songs side by side, we would see strengths and weaknesses to each. Some of the same criticisms could be leveled against both. One of those is the “me-centered” ness that is usually ascribed to modern songs (and I would agree it’s more of an issue with newer songs). Salvation is about what Jesus has done for “me,” what “I” receive, “my” new life/rescue, etc. None of which is wrong, inaccurate. But we need a more balanced emphasis on two things: (1) God’s glory, which is the end of salvation and (2) a corporate view of salvation (see below)

Service/Missions: Maybe this doesn’t follow as much. But I wonder if it’s easier to give online or write a check than to give of time or energy due to an individualistic mindset. Would we rather give $100 than a week or two to serve? Or would we rather buy some groceries than go serve the poor in a low-income neighborhood or at the kitchen downtown? I don’t know. I haven’t surveyed anyone. Just thoughts.

Does it affect our theology?

Church language: How many times do we use the word “church” for its local vs. global use? Yes, the apostles wrote letters to local churches (perhaps to regions composed of local churches). Elders are appointed over local churches. Church membership is important on a local level; otherwise, the commands of accountability and authority are pretty moot. But I wonder if the 59 one another statements apply in a local or global context? Am I only supposed to forgive those in my local gathering? Definitely not. Am I only supposed to pray for those who come to the same building as me on Sunday? That’s silly.

We think of the global church once in a while, but a more consistent view would eliminate petty arguments. It would elevate the essentials within the church. We would be more unified. We would value diversity. We would focus on Jesus, because He unites all peoples in Him (Rev 7-8).

Atonement: I have been reviewing this major doctrine for a month or so, and I haven’t read any major books, yet. I like what I heard where the Bible doesn’t care about theories or view of “atonement.” It’s more like the death of Jesus is one of the most simple, yet complex events in history. The implications of it are drastic for all history. It’s mentioned throughout the NT, and nearly every song alludes to its effects. But the more I read the verses, I notice some repeated themes. Here are some of the major verses that mention substitution as we like to talk about Jesus’ death. 

Isaiah 53:1-12  Who has believed what he has heard from us? And to whom has the arm of the Lord been revealed? For he grew up before him like a young plant, and like a root out of dry ground; he had no form or majesty that we should look at him, and no beauty that we should desire him. He was despised and rejected by men, a man of sorrows and acquainted with grief; and as one from whom men hide their faces he was despised, and we esteemed him not. Surely he has borne our griefs and carried our sorrows; yet we esteemed him stricken, smitten by God, and afflicted. But he was pierced for our transgressions; he was crushed for our iniquities; upon him was the chastisement that brought us peace, and with his wounds we are healed.  (**Needs more notes later, but Isaiah has a couple passages on Israel as the “servant.” To apply the term to an individual here is possible. The NT certainly applies it to Jesus, but that’s looking back.)

2 Corinthians 5:21  For our sake he made him to be sin who knew no sin, so that in him we might become the righteousness of God.

Galatians 3:13 Christ redeemed us from the curse of the law by becoming a curse for us—for it is written, “Cursed is everyone who is hanged on a tree”—

Mark 10:45  For even the Son of Man came not to be served but to serve, and to give his life as a ransom for many.”

Colossians 2:13-15 And you, who were dead in your trespasses and the uncircumcision of your flesh, God made alive together with him, having forgiven us all our trespasses, by canceling the record of debt that stood against us with its legal demands. This he set aside, nailing it to the cross. He disarmed the rulers and authorities and put them to open shame, by triumphing over them in him.

Hebrews 2:17  Therefore he had to be made like his brothers in every respect, so that he might become a merciful and faithful high priest in the service of God, to make propitiation for the sins of the people.

Romans 5:8  But God shows his love for us in that while we were still sinners, Christ died for us.

2 Corinthians 5:14-15  For the love of Christ controls us, because we have concluded this: that one has died for all, therefore all have died; And he died for all, that those who live might no longer live for themselves but for him who for their sake died and was raised.

Romans 8:32  He who did not spare his own Son but gave him up for us all, how will he not also with him graciously give us all things?

Ephesians 1:14 In him we have redemption through his blood, the forgiveness of our trespasses, according to the riches of his grace, ...

Romans 5:17-19 For if, because of one man's trespass, death reigned through that one man, much more will those who receive the abundance of grace and the free gift of righteousness reign in life through the one man Jesus Christ. Therefore, as one trespass led to condemnation for all men, so one act of righteousness leads to justification and life for all men. For as by the one man's disobedience the many were made sinners, so by the one man's obedience the many will be made righteous.

I can’t discuss all these passages here. NT Wright would say, “Ok, now let’s go back to the Gospels and see what the story is behind the crucifixion.” But the one thing that jumps out at me here is that Jesus always died “for all,” “for many,” or simply “for sin.” 

What’s missing? Me, my, I. Did Jesus die as a sacrifice? Yes. Did He did instead of someone? Sure. Instead of me for my sin that deserves just punishment for all eternity (i.e., God’s outpouring of wrath)? If you want to say it that way. 

What makes much more sense to me through the narrative and in these passages here is the idea of corporate solidarity. Whether it’s Adam or Israel, both failed. Paul says, In Adam all died. Israel failed in her mission as well. Corporate solidarity has an individual represent a group. It’s similar to covenantal headship, where the family head represents the family. Jesus came and represents Israel, fulfilling her mission, obeying the Law perfectly. As He is murdered unjustly, He is able to become the Suffering Servant and take her sins onto Himself.

Multiple theories of atonement can be simultaneously true.

My point here is that we nearly always see Jesus dying for sins of the people. And if I as an individual am “in Christ” then my sin is forgiven as well. I love when I see tweets about not accepting Jesus as my personal Lord and Savior. I personally accept Jesus as Lord and Savior. Big difference.

Personal/Individual

We do have one verse with the 1st person singular pronoun, but this seems to be unique.

Galatians 2:20 

I have been crucified with Christ. It is no longer I who live, but Christ who lives in me. And the life I now live in the flesh I live by faith in the Son of God, who loved me and gave himself for me.

V. 16-21 is heart of the letter and v. 17 has the plural “sinners.” Paul seems to be using himself as an example here. He discusses his relationship with the law, how it brought death, but also how he fulfills its demands “in Christ.” (Not to mention the whole NPP debate in v. 20 with “faith” vs “faithfulness” of the Son of God.) 

I am not really trying to persuade any one of anything. I’m just thinking through the texts and what makes most sense to me at this point. Even in Galatians 2:20, there’s unity “with Christ” so corporate solidarity is in view. Jesus giving life “for me” doesn’t mention sin directly here, though it is relevant to the passage. This seems to combine the themes of conquering kingdom, rescue, and also substitution. Nevertheless, it’s one verse that has a singular pronoun vs. all the others with plurals, and I would suggest our teaching reflects the same ratio.

This is not to resort to the heresy of thinking someone gains eternal life simply because of “religious heritage” or association. “I’ve been in church my whole life” or “my dad’s a preacher” excuses. This is still an individual decision, but I will probably emphasize the corporate side of the atonement or at least look for it throughout Scripture. And I will look for ways to emphasize community, both local and global over this me and Jesus religion.

In conclusion, for this subject, I never understood the theology of the atonement within the narrative of the gospels (as a kid or even now as adult). I know and believe the truths. I know the verses. But how does a voluntary, even every day occurrence of a death translate to a sacrifice for all mankind, or a payment, or fill in the blank on a cosmic scale? I think this makes much more sense in a corporate, representative sense. And of course, I as an individual am part of the people who gained life and forgiveness because of Jesus’ death. Nothing really changes except a renewed focus on belonging to a group. 

We could probably find other areas of theology where an individualistic mindset is harmful, such as eschatology (trying to get to heaven vs. building for kingdom community). But I think this is sufficient for now. 

Psalm 23

 “The Lord is my shepherd, I lack nothing. He takes me to lush pastures, he leads me to refreshing water. He restores my strength. He leads me down the right paths for the sake of his reputation. Even when I must walk through the darkest valley, I fear no danger, for you are with me; your rod and your staff reassure me. You prepare a feast before me in plain sight of my enemies. You refresh my head with oil; my cup is completely full. Surely your goodness and faithfulness will pursue me all my days, and I will live in the Lord’s house for the rest of my life.”

— ‭‭Psalms‬ ‭23‬:‭1‬-‭6‬‬

Obviously, one of the most well known and loved psalms. Will add notes in subsequent readings.

David mixes metaphors between v. 1-4 and 5-6. Sheep don’t have feasts prepared, and the oil may be a way to honor guests at the banquet—not healing an injured sheep.

The opening line is the point of the poem. God provides everything so the Psalmist, and by extension, those who follow Him, do not need anything. He leads, guides, protects, calms, reassures. 

All of this is for the sake of His name/reputation/glory. 

I like other translations that emphasize deep dark valleys, not just “death.” Not sure if we need to emphasize the word “must” in v. 4, whether God is leading us through it, because of v. 2, or if life just brings us to a dark valley. There are several examples we can put here. Fear is completely natural and human. It’s also crippling. 

Power of His presence is huge. This is what dissipates fear. (True in parenting, too.)

Rod and staff were always taught to me as being disciplinarian, but NET says it carries idea of protection and emotional security. This makes much better sense, and I’m not just saying that to buck what I’ve been taught. Some quick research shows that the idea of breaking sheep’s legs is not only debatable but some would say— insane. This idea made popular from a book back in 80s or 90s and “went viral.” Carrying a huge sheep does seem a bit counterintuitive. 

 Linked to idea of God’s presence (you are with me), which may be the most important idea in the song.

The Lord’s house in OT is pretty much always referring to the temple (or tabernacle for David). David thrilled to gain favor in the middle of so many enemies and to be able to worship his God all his days.

1 Corinthians 15:50-58

“Now this is what I am saying, brothers and sisters: Flesh and blood cannot inherit the kingdom of God, nor does the perishable inherit the imperishable. Listen, I will tell you a mystery: We will not all sleep, but we will all be changed – in a moment, in the blinking of an eye, at the last trumpet. For the trumpet will sound, and the dead will be raised imperishable, and we will be changed. For this perishable body must put on the imperishable, and this mortal body must put on immortality. Now when this perishable puts on the imperishable, and this mortal puts on immortality, then the saying that is written will happen, “Death has been swallowed up in victory.” “Where, O death, is your victory? Where, O death, is your sting?” The sting of death is sin, and the power of sin is the law. But thanks be to God, who gives us the victory through our Lord Jesus Christ! So then, dear brothers and sisters, be firm. Do not be moved! Always be outstanding in the work of the Lord, knowing that your labor is not in vain in the Lord.”

— ‭‭1 Corinthians‬ ‭15‬:‭50‬-‭58‬‬

Most of 1 Corinthians is responding to their blatant immaturity and ethical issues. This is one of the few passages where Paul discusses doctrine. However, it is important to notice that Paul only uses Jesus’ resurrection to support the bodily resurrection of believers in the end. The false teaching at Corinth (whoever was doing it) was not attacking or denying the resurrection of Jesus. They were denying the bodily resurrection of the believers.

Paul says, That’s ridiculous. If He was raised, and we are in Him, then we will be raised, too.

This last paragraph of the chapter finalizes the implications of that, discussing the new body. There’s so much speculation what that will look like. What age will we be, what will we look like? I have no idea. People are uncomfortable with certain aspects of their physical bodies now, so let’s just go with there will be perfect contentment with the glorified body. 

Flesh and blood does not inherit the kingdom of God, meaning we will receive a new body. This does not mean it isn’t physical. Spiritual or glorified doesn’t mean it isn’t tangible or able to be touched or “real.” We won’t be ghosts or just in a spirit form. Jesus had a real body post-resurrection. He ate fish. He had scars. (He also walked through walls and teleported, which I don’t know if we’ll be able to do that, but it’d be pretty cool.)

This is the only other passage that discusses how currently living believers enter the after life without going through death (1 Thess 4:16-17). Both have trumpets. Both have the dead rising. These passages should be understood as parallels. Except there’s no flying through the air here. There’s different ways to reconcile these things, I suppose, but that’s for 1 Thessalonians, sorry.

Here it simply says, we change into our imperishable bodies. We become instantly glorified. This is similar to 2 Corinthians 5, when Paul says we live in tents, but then our mortality will be swallowed up by life. 

I would even say the point of this isn’t our “changing” so much as the dead being raised and the new bodies. Because those bodies won’t die. 

Death is defeated. And sin, which results in death, has been conquered. This is one of the most powerful verses, and it’s written as a poem, so perhaps an early creed or anthem. 

So endure. Stand firm. Always be abounding in the work of the Lord. It is not in vain. We are working for the kingdom. He will reign in perfect peace. And victory over our greatest enemies has been secured. So we can live in peace now. We could take time to flesh out what that work is. But throughout the book, Paul has mentioned a lot about unity, selflessness, love, spiritual gifts. May be a good starting point.