A Faithful Remnant Remains (1)
Scripture Reading — Isaiah 10:12-21
A remnant will return, a remnant of Jacob will return to the Mighty God.
Isaiah 10:21
Have you ever been in the difficult place of standing alone for what you believed was right? Standing alone against the crowd can be pretty lonely. A “remnant identity” is always tough.
Isaiah tells us that in Israel, God’s true followers were becoming an increasingly small minority. Most but not all in Israel and Judah were found unfaithful. A repentant and believing remnant was preserved. “In that day the remnant of Israel, the survivors of the house of Jacob … will truly rely on the LORD, the Holy One of Israel.”
As part of the remnant of God’s people, we have hope. The majority, who trust human powers for their security, find themselves betrayed. Isaiah 10 tells us that making a treaty with Assyria was a fool’s game. The great Assyrian beast would turn and devour those who trusted in its might. God alone is the only one on whom we can lean and not be disappointed.
Down through history, the remnant would survive as people recognized and rejoiced in God’s plan for the coming of Immanuel. The remnant would survive in captivity. The remnant would also return from captivity to rebuild Jerusalem and the temple in preparation for the coming of Immanuel.
How about you? Do you find yourself in the minority? When God is on your side, you cannot fail.
Lord, thank you for faithful servants like Isaiah, who carried the message in those dark days and faithfully labored to preserve the word of salvation. In Jesus, Amen.
About the author — Victor Atallah
Rev. Victor Atallah is the broadcast team leader for The Back to God Hour Arabic ministry and the general director of Middle East Reformed Fellowship. These meditations are based on texts of Arabic broadcasts aired a few years ago and an Arabic commentary on the book of Isaiah prepared for publication. Rev. Atallah and his wife, Lisa, live in Larnaca, Cyprus, where The Back to God Hour Arabic ministry is based. The ministry reaches Arabic-speaking people throughout the Middle East and North Africa, introducing them to Jesus Christ, Savior of the nations.
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