“Behold Zion, the city of our appointed feasts! Your eyes will see Jerusalem, an untroubled habitation, an immovable tent, whose stakes will never be plucked up, nor will any of its cords be broken.” – Isaiah 33:20 

Scripture reading: Psalm 48:1-14

Here is God’s promise to restore the Church. He will not only deliver it from its enemies, but also establish the Church in favour and prosperity. The Church is here called “Zion” as throughout the Psalms and Prophets. It is identified primarily as the people of God who assemble for “appointed feasts.” It was in the feasts that salvation was proclaimed through symbols and signs, the law of the Lord kept and the covenant renewed.

What Isaiah promises here, by way of God establishing His Church, is an eternal promise. We see it in shadows yet today. Tomorrow, God’s people are called once again to “assemble.” The Word of God gives us the basis and direction for all of our worship. Christ is central in the preaching and the sacraments—so once again God’s salvation in Christ is proclaimed promiscuously! The law of the Lord is kept in keeping the Sabbath day holy, reading His law and being instructed in it. And the Lord graciously renews His covenant with us as He speaks His promises through His Word and we respond humbly with thankful praise, prayers, and offerings.

Without God’s grace and patience with us, we’ll never be untroubled. We would be a tent blown about in the wilderness winds. Nothing would tie us down. We are covenant-breakers who need God’s covenant renewal. He restores us and establishes us in Jesus Christ.

Suggestions for prayer

Rejoice in the privilege of assembling for the festive Day of Rest and seek the Lord’s help to be prepared in heart and mind and body for the Lord’s Day.

Rev. Todd De Rooy currently serves in Redeemer URC, in Orange City, Iowa. He has served there since being ordained in 2008. Get this devotional delivered directly to your phone each day via our RP App. It is also available in print, for purchase, at NTGDevotional.com.