The Remnant Will Return: God's Unshakable Plan
The virgin will conceive and give birth to a son…
Do not fear what they fear…
For unto us a child is born…
And the government will be upon his shoulders…
Isaiah spoke words of warning, judgement, and hope to the people of Judah. Isaiah was clear that there would be judgment because of Judah’s unwillingness to trust in the Lord and instead forming alliances with other nations. The prophet was clear that those who brought destruction to Jerusalem and Judah would also be judged and held accountable for their actions.
But one thing was certain: God would not allow his plan for his people or his creation to vanish. There would be a remnant, and from this remnant God would fulfill his purposes and keep all his promises.
“In that day the remnant of Israel and the survivors of the house of Jacob will no more lean on him who struck them, but will lean on the Lord, the Holy One of Israel, in truth. A remnant will return, the remnant of Jacob, to the mighty God.”
As you read through Isaiah—and actually, through all of scripture—we see that while the arrogant often have moments of victory and bring destruction and harm to others, we who believe in Jesus are never to lash back in arrogance. We are called to humble ourselves before the Lord and act with kindness and humility in every situation.
Reading 1 Peter 5, we learn that the apostle, while still bold in his faith, had learned to lead through humility and grace. And he called all believers to do the same as they assumed their leadership roles in their families, in the church, and in their communities. Isaiah and Peter were clear that we would experience times and seasons of suffering as we follow God. Bible scholars generally agree that both Isaiah and Peter experienced a martyr’s death. Yet even as they did, their work and ministries were not in vain. God’s remnant remained and grew, and we are part of the fruit of their labors for the Lord.
Peter’s last challenge to us is clear and strong:
“And after you have suffered a little while, the God of all grace, who has called you to his eternal glory in Christ, will himself restore, confirm, strengthen, and establish you.”
No matter what difficulty you face today, no matter how strong the temptation to throw in the towel, it is through our humble surrender that God will be glorified and his purposes be accomplished in our lives.
Father, as we consider the words of Isaiah and Peter, we are reminded that your plans will be accomplished and your dominion will last forever and ever. Forgive us for the times we have acted in arrogance or relied on people and systems of this world instead of putting all our faith in you. Today, fill us with your Spirit, that we might serve others with grace and humility. Accomplish your purposes in us today. In Jesus’ name, amen.
Your Time with God’s Word
Isaiah 10:12-27; 1 Peter 5:1-11 ESV
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