Sun.’s Devo - Hope for the Remnant

Read: Isaiah 8:1-9:21; 2 Corinthians 12:1-10; Psalm 55:1-23; Proverbs 23:4-5 The Lord told Isaiah to make a sign with the name Maher-shalal-hash-baz on it. Then he slept with his wife and she got pregnant with a son who would be called Maher-shalal-hash-baz. This was the sign that he promised the king. Maher-shalal-hash-baz means “swift to the plunder and pick to carry away.” This would be the fate of Israel. Before this son was old enough to say ‘papa’ or Mama’ the king of Assyria would carry away the plunder of Samaria. Isaiah and his wife lived in Judah. Judah, like Israel had rejected the Lord. While they rejoiced over the word about the take down of Israel, the Assyrians would be marching to destroy them. To the remnant, God said not to be in fear. God was bringing his army against Israel and Judah but the remnant would be saved. God would fight for them. God would one day send the rock, Jesus Christ to crush Satan’s power. Their job was to preserve the teachings of the Lord until he comes. God spoke of the day when Galilee would be filled with glory. That would be the place Jesus walks. He would be the great light in a land of deep darkness. Isaiah describes Jesus as a wonderful counselor, a prince of peace who will rule fairly and bring justice for all eternity. One day, Israel would be rebuilt. During their day, Israel would be destroyed by Syrians and the Philistines. In one day both houses, Israel and Judah would be destroyed. Neither would stand up for the other even though they are brothers. In the end, Israel will be saved in a day. In Corinthians, Paul is tempted to boast about the revelations he has received from God to compare with the revelations these false apostles were bragging about. But Paul will not join in their game of competition. He refers to a “thorn in the flesh” that kept him humble. I have heard many people try to guess what Paul’s thorn is but I think it is best that we don’t know. Everyone has their weakness that keeps them humble that is custom to them. Paul’s was his own. Thank God for thorns in our flesh that remind us that in our weakness, God can be very strong. Lord, we trust in your good plan for our lives and the future of our nation. Help us to be the remnant that shines in the darkness. Help us to look ahead to the promises of hope and revival in our future and not lose our hope by what our eyes see. The best is yet to come.