A REMNANT REDEEMED

ISAIAH 35

Saturday, July 27, 2013

6:04 PM

(Isaiah 35 is the answer of God to the death of a nation described in Isaiah 34.)

 

 

I recently realized that if there were a greater degree of godliness, holiness and righteousness in our national culture, there would be greater restraint against evil. 

Cultural standards would disapprove of destructive behaviors, resist movements away from righteousness and holiness, goodness and decency. 

Parents, educators, media, courts, politicians would all be voices for better morals and ethics.  Neighbors would take behaviors of others seriously.  They would care for one another in every day ways.

 

 

Fighting a dying culture in "cultural wars" is too late.

The  increasing losses inflame  evil to greater excesses. 

The result is the culture's scorn and mockery and disregard for the religious complaining and blaming, criticizing and condemning. 

The culture rejects the bankrupt religion about God. 

The religions complain.

New "religions" are embraced and created. 

Leaders in high places of authority turn to the occult.

The man in the street embraces monsters, aliens, and zombies.

Oriental "mysticism" spreads rapidly.

 

In this looming disaster,

God's attention goes to an "invisible" remnant.

There is always a redeemed remnant.

Isaiah 35.9

 

The remnant comes together with pure hearts and genuine righteousness, love, truth, and faith that lets God conquer all evil with His goodness.

In the face of the horrible conditions of ch. 34, this unrecognized remnant will experience the grace and glory of God described here in Ch. 35.
 

Persecuted, the "true church," the true people of God, will thrive in secret meetings at risk of their lives.

The true faith of these truly godly people will be evident to all who know them. 

The hope, love, peace, faith, goodness, humility (a trait sadly lacking in the church of the our nation today) are the oases to which many will come to escape the increasing horrors of every day life in the culture. 

Every detail of Isaiah's vision of God's greatness, goodness, glory and grace in ch. 35 will be the experience of those hiding in caves and under rocks in secret, candlelight rooms.

The joy of this remnant will see the glory and splendor of God.

This faithful remnant will offer strength to those who come to them with fear and feebleness.

This remnant will be able to say to those with fearful hearts,

"Be strong, do not fear; your God will save you."

Isaiah 35.4 

Then God will give these converts eyes to see, ears to hear, and they, too, will leap for joy.

Living water will flow from their hearts into the wilderness and devastation of the dead culture. 

This will be the walk of the redeemed through the great shadow of the death of a nation. 

There will  be quiet but joyful singing, everlasting love, joy, and peace.

 

Sorrow and sadness will flee away as the remnant worships God in humble secrecy.

 

A remnant may be forming today in small, unidentifiable groups seeking a true faith with substances

of holiness and righteousness

that are at the heart of God's renewing us in His image.