Isaiah 24
"They lift up their voices. They sing for joy. Over the majesty of Yahweh they shout from the west. Therefore in the east give glory to Yahweh. In the coastlands of the sea, give glory to the name of Yahweh, the God of Israel. From the ends of the earth we hear songs of praise, of glory to the Righteous One." - Isaiah 24:14-16
In the previous paragraphs, Isaiah describes the earth emptied and desolate because of God's judgment upon man' sin (v. 5). Joy on earth has grown dark (v. 11), and few people are left (v. 6). But in v. 14, things change. The earth is not totally empty. There is joyful singing coming from west and east (vv. 14-15), from the ends of the earth (v. 16). The singing glorifies the majesty (v. 14) and glory (vv. 15-16) of God, the Righteous One (v. 16).
From these verses we learn: (1) we must not lose hope; (2) humanity will survive God's judgment; (3) those who do survive will sing with joy; (4) the singing will come from west and east, from the ends of the earth, signifying that all nations will be involved; and (5) God's majesty and glory are worth singing about.
Father, I understand that judgment is necessary. You are holy and must deal justly with sin and rebellion. But thank you that your judgment isn't the end of the story. There will come a day when your people, from all over the world, the believers, will join together in singing to you. We will praise your majesty and glory. You will reign from Zion (v. 23), having swallowed up death forever (Is 25:8). So we must wait for you (Is 25:9). Our job is to wait. Your job is to save (Is 25:9). Give us the strength to wait for your salvation. In Jesus' name, amen.
- Jeff Coleman