April 26, 2024
In that day the remnant of Israel, the survivors of Jacob, will no longer rely on him who struck them down but will truly rely on the Lord, the Holy One of Israel. A remnant will return, a remnant of Jacob will return to the Mighty God. Though your people be like the sand by the sea, Israel, only a remnant will return. Destruction has been decreed, overwhelming and righteous.
- Isaiah 10:20-22
Over the next few days, let’s spend some time looking at the characteristics of the Grace-Chosen Remnant.
In Isaiah 10:20-22, we read the story of a remnant—those who, despite having faced great adversity and judgment, return to rely solely on the Lord. They are like survivors, who, against odds, come back to life with a renewed purpose and dependence on God, not on worldly powers or their own strength. These remnants were chosen by grace. They embody resilience, hope, and a testament to God's faithfulness.
The first thing you would notice about the remnant, is that they have full trust in God even in the face of opposition. Verse 20 of our main text says this remnant will “truly rely on the Lord, the Holy One of Israel”. They adopt a posture of reliance on God for security and provision. They do not rely on their human strength or alliances for protection.
1 Corinthians 2:5 describes a form of faith that “does not rest in the wisdom of men, but in the power of God”. This is the kind of faith displayed by anyone who is a part of this gracious remnant. They trust God, face their fears and go on to achieve great things, all in God’s name!
They do not lean on earthly or human wisdom but instead, they lean on God. They know that the wisdom of man can fail, but God’s power never fails! Ever.
The remnant know that they were never created to place their hope and expectation on themselves, but to release and depend on God when facing pressure.
They believe that God is who He says He is, and will do what He says He will do, and that great things happen when they activate their faith, and trust God. They depend on God and know that there is no meaningful or productive life outside of God. “Depend on GOD and keep at it because in the LORD GOD you have a sure thing” (Isaiah 26:4, MSG).
The remnant know that they were never created to place their hope and expectation on themselves, but to release and depend on God when facing pressure. Psalm 62:5-7 GNT says: I depend on God alone; I put my hope in him. He alone protects and saves me; he is my defender, and I shall never be defeated.
My salvation and honor depend on God; he is my strong protector; he is my shelter.
This trust in God not only saves from the folly of trusting in the imperfect powers or wisdom of man, but for us believers, it also preserves our hearts from the torment of fear. According to John 14:1, our belief in God keeps our hearts from getting troubled.
Trusting in God is often talked about, but it is in practicing it that we find true power. Begin to exercise the grace of God in your life to trust fully in Him. This is at the heart of being a part of God’s chosen remnant.
Song of Worship
From the creation to the cross
There from the cross into eternity
Your grace finds me, Your grace finds me
Song: Your Grace Finds Me by Matt Redman
Prayer - Lord, guide us to be part of that blessed remnant, not by our merit but by Your grace. May Your grace overflow in our lives and lead us to repentance and a deeper faith in You. Help us cling to the hope that in You, we find abundance and fulfillment. So it is, and shall be in Jesus' name Amen
Bible in 1 year: 1 Kings 3-5; Luke 20