The LORD’s High Mountain

Rev. Dustin Beck, pastor at Holy Cross Lutheran Church in Warda, TX, joins host Rev. Timothy Appel to study Isaiah 2:1-5.

The prophet Isaiah is sometimes called “The Fifth Evangelist” because of his beautifully clear pictures of Jesus’ saving ministry. As Isaiah preached to the rebellious people of Judah and Jerusalem, he called them to repentance for their gross sin and idolatry, all the while showing them glorious pictures of the forgiveness found in the Gospel. In this text, the picture is the mountain of the LORD being raised higher than all others. This happens in the latter days when Christ is crucified and raised, when the Church proclaims the Gospel, and when Christ returns again in glory. People from all nations will stream to this mountain as the LORD’s saving Word flows forth from it. As the LORD delivers His justice, the tragedy of Cain and Abel is reversed and brother no longer will turn his hand against his brother, a reality that is fully realized only on the Last Day. The people of God are called to live and walk in this reality that the light of the Gospel shines into the world.

“Advent with the Prophets” is a mini-series on Sharper Iron that goes through the Old Testament readings appointed for the season of Advent. This holy season of repentance focuses our attention on Christ’s coming. As we spend time hearing the words of the prophets, the saints who waited patiently in the years before Christ’s coming in the flesh at Christmas, we too are prepared to receive Christ now in His Word and Sacrament, even as we wait for Him to come again in glory.