Isaiah 10
"In that day the remnant of Israel and the survivors of the house of Jacob will no more lean on [the Assyrian king] who struck them, but will lean on Yahweh, the Holy One of Israel, in truth. A remnant will return, the remnant of Jacob, to the mighty God. For though your people Israel be as the sand of the sea, only a remnant of them will return. Destruction is decreed, overflowing with righteousness. For Lord Yahweh of hosts will make a full end, as decreed, in the midst of all the earth." - Isaiah 10:20-23
Isaiah continues to prophecy about Yahweh's dealings with Israel/Judah, Assyria, and the nations. Assyria is boasting of her might, and she is coming next for Judah, the last remaining outpost in the Middle East. Judah had formed an alliance with Assyria against Israel and Syria, but that alliance has now backfired. Yahweh will continue disciplining Israel because of her rebellion. But there will come a day when the discipline is complete. At a future time, a remnant of Israel will return to the land of Israel and take root. It will be a small minority: "only a remnant of them will return" (v. 22). This remnant will lean on Yahweh, the Holy One, in truth (v. 20).
Here's some principles for us to believe and apply today: (1) we are not to put our trust in man or human solutions to solve our problems; (2) instead, we are to put our trust in God; (3) God will ensure a believing remnant survives; (4) that remnant will be a minority of people--most will be lost in his decreed destruction; (5) God is holy and righteous as he carries out his decreed destruction; and (6) the destruction is justified because of the arrogance, pride, and rebellion of man.
Father, I am frightened by what I see in the news and the power grab of the elites in the West. It is difficult for me to trust in you when I see these things day after day. But Lord, you are more than capable of dealing with those who rebel against you. We may lose religious, economic, and political liberty in the West, but liberty is not guaranteed in this life. One thing that is guaranteed is that you will never leave us or forsake us. Help me to fully trust in you and relax about world events. May I humble myself before you and seek your face. Help those who love you to see to the heart of the issues facing us, and, when the time is right, to speak. Help us to look to Jesus, not man, for justice. May we long more and more for Messiah and his kingdom. Thank you for meeting with me this morning. Help me to live for you today. In Jesus' name, amen.
- Jeff Coleman