What Little Remains!

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Opening Prayer

Teach me, Lord, to follow You in faithfulness. I long to praise You with the angels and archangels forever.

Read Isaiah 10:20-27

^[20] 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. ^[21] A remnant will return, a remnant of Jacob will return to the Mighty God. ^[22] Though your people be like the sand by the sea, Israel, only a remnant will return. Destruction has been decreed, overwhelming and righteous. ^[23] The Lord, the LORD Almighty, will carry out the destruction decreed upon the whole land. ^[24] Therefore this is what the Lord, the LORD Almighty, says: “My people who live in Zion, do not be afraid of the Assyrians, who beat you with a rod and lift up a club against you, as Egypt did. ^[25] Very soon my anger against you will end and my wrath will be directed to their destruction.” ^[26] The LORD Almighty will lash them with a whip, as when he struck down Midian at the rock of Oreb; and he will raise his staff over the waters, as he did in Egypt. ^[27] In that day their burden will be lifted from your shoulders, their yoke from your neck; the yoke will be broken because you have grown so fat.

Meditate

“Show me Your ways, O Lord, teach me Your paths” (Psa. 25:4). This should be our prayer at all times and in all circumstances!

Think Further

The remnant, often less than ten per cent of a people, were those who survived battle, plague or destruction. Although we have had the promise through Isaiah’s son that “a remnant shall return” (Shear-Jashub), it is nothing to be optimistic about. In contrast to God’s promise that Abraham should have numberless descendants (Gen. 15:5; 22:17), this remnant will be much smaller, but suitably penitent, and no longer trusting in the power of Assyria. The judgment shifts from apostate Israel to arrogant Assyria.

Again we see God working out his purposes through the rise and fall of the great powers of the day. The nations are used to judge and punish the people of God for their faithfulness to the Lord–or their lack of it–but the nations themselves come under his judgment, also. The rod and club will be replaced by the whip. God’s judgment on Assyria will be harsher and more severe, reminiscent of the destruction of the Midianites (Judg. 7:22-25) and the destruction of Pharaoh’s charioteers at the time of the Exodus (Exod. 14:23-28). Isaiah sees history repeating itself as Israel relives the story of enslavement and redemption, this time at the hands of other foes.

Our own spiritual lives often run in such cycles of dependence, independence and renewed commitment on God. He allows our circumstances to drive us to prayer and repentance before we are renewed. Only then do we “lean in truth” (20, NRSV; TNIV has “truly rely”) on God–not in a superficial outward piety, but with a faith deepened through suffering, chastening and renewal. Our trials in this life, whether a result of sin, circumstances or spiritual attack, can only bring us back, closer to God, if we allow him to teach us and learn from them more of what he is like.

Apply

How does God refine our character and faith through the trials we face? What examples can you give in your own life and the lives of others?

Closing prayer

Sovereign God, I’m grateful for today’s reminder that You are in charge of all things. I am not caught in the grip of circumstances, but am safe in Your hands.

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