READING FOR FEBRUARY 6, 2026: ISAIAH 25, MATTHEW 5, PSALM 4                                  ISAIAH 25 This chapter is like a psalm of praise, but with a focus on what God will be doing in the future, likely the far distant future. It starts with an acknowledgement that this universal Lord is the prophet’s God. We believe in the existence of a transcendent, objective God, but we also need to crown Him subjectively as our personal God—to worship Him as our creator, savior, sustainer, and king.  The Lord’s Prayer speaks to this duality: Our Father (our personal God) who art in Heaven (the transcendent God). Also consider Psalm 8:1: “O Lord, our Lord (our personal God), how majestic is your name in all the earth (the transcendent God).”

The prophet praises and thanks God because He is also a supernatural God who works wonders/miracles. There are certain Christians today who believe God no longer works wonders. They are called cessationists. This writer is a continuist who believes God still works wonders. (Can anyone say amen to that?) Isaiah believes God makes plans and they will all be realized. His prophesies and all biblical prophesies will all come true, but likely in ways that will surprise and amaze us. Verses 2-5 speak to troubles God will bring into the world, but none- theless, He will be a refuge for the poor and helpless. Can we accept both these truths?

Verses 6-9 closely resemble some prophecies about heaven found in the New Testament:

• “The Lord of armies will prepare a lavish banquet for all people on this mountain” (vs.6).                     “Write this: Blessed are those who are invited to the wedding supper of the Lamb!” (Rev. 19:9)
• “He will destroy... the veil which is stretched over all nations” (vs.7).                                                    “Whenever anyone turns to the Lord, the veil is taken away” (2 Cor. 3:16).
•  “He will swallow up death for all time” (vs. 8).                                                                                                “Then the saying that is written will come true: ‘Death has been swallowed up in victory’” (1 Cor. 15:54).
• “The Lord God will wipe tears away from all faces” (vs. 8).                                                                                “God himself will be with them and be their God. ‘He will wipe every tear from their eyes;” (Rev. 21:3-4).

Verses 10-12 return to speak of the judgement of God. (We may not like this part of God so much.) Moab, mentioned here, was often an enemy of God’s people. Moab’s pride, deceit, and eventual casting to the ground could be a metaphor for the final judgment or even Satan’s demise: “And the devil, who deceived them, was thrown into the lake of burning sulfur, where the beast and the false prophet had been thrown. They will be tormented day and night for ever and ever” (Rev. 20:10).

MATTHEW 5 Many sermon series have been preached and study guides written about the Beatitudes. Usually, each sermon or each lesson looks at each Beatitude in isolation. Instead of approaching them this way again, consider how they interact with and modify each other.

READINGS FOR FEBRUARY 6, 2026 CONTINUED: MATTHEW 5, PSALM 4                                    For example, one could be a peacemaker by agreeing that all beliefs and behaviors are fine if sincerely held. But this would be at the expense of hungering and thirsting for righteousness. On the other hand, one could be persecuted, seemingly for holding the truth, but advocate for the truth in a harsh way. All the Beatitudes must be followed in balance to receive the promised blessing. Paul calls this balanced approach “speaking the truth in love” (Eph. 4:15), which he says is vital if we are to “grow up in all aspects into Him [Christ].”

Some have interpreted Jesus’s direction about not putting our light under a bushel as making sure everyone knows about all our good deeds and what great people we are. Notice, though, that the verses about being salt and light immediately follow the Beatitudes. It seems clear from the context that just by following all the Beatitudes, “others will see your good works and glorify your Father is in heaven.” No self-promotion is needed or helpful.

Jesus wants us to aspire to be great in the kingdom of heaven. Notice His three categories 

The rest of the chapter compares Old Testament standards with the higher standards of Jesus:

PSALM 4  

Let’s apply these reassuring words to any problems we are facing at this moment:

• Remember back to when God relieved us during a tough time.
• If we believe in Jesus, consider that the Lord has set us apart for Himself.
• No matter what we feel, trust that the Lord hears us when we call Him.
• If we are trembling physically or emotionally, let’s not sin but mediate on God.
• Let’s believe that the Lord will, WILL! put gladness in our hearts again. 
• Let’s lie down and sleep at night knowing God alone can make us secure and that He alone is enough.