“Speed the Spoil; Hasten the Booty”
“A Remnant Shall Return”
Isaiah 7-12
This snapshot of Isaiah standing between his two sons is meant for our encouragement. Seven Hundred Forty or Thirty years before the birth of Jesus Christ is a long time for an encouraging message to be around! It is so easy to remember. Your language or culture doesn’t matter. Your schedule or busyness won’t interfere. You can even remember it and think about it as you look after a toddler, care for the aged, run for Vice President, or prepare a Thanksgiving turkey or pie. And it is especially easy to click to this image when a relative starts in on you again this year!
Send it on! Our compassionate and loving God, who is also the God of all justice, controls world events and everything affecting us. Not only is the President and the President-Elect in His hands, but that relative who drives you crazy. Your church may seem weak and insignificant, overcome by worldliness and strife. Let it come! The Lord God of Creation has not deserted His children or stopped running things.
Some will always return to God! Your sister-in-law or husband may suddenly turn to our Lord Jesus Christ in true repentance and faith. With a whole new attitude toward you. The President might proclaim His reliance on the Lord Jesus, urging the nation to turn back to God. Who knows what could happen, but some will always turn from their sin to God. You or I might become more kind, gentle, or self-controlled. Salvation is of God. The Holy Spirit still works in our hearts. These truths are the ground of true hope.
“I am thankful God has not deserted us this year!”
“I’m glad God is still running the show.”
“I’m thankful for the preservation of Isaiah’s sermons.”
“I’m thankful for the Pilgrims and Puritans who started this nation on a thankful course.”
“I’m thankful for our family.”
“I’m glad God is not through with any of us yet.”
“I’m so glad my eyes were opened and I finally understood that my sins are forgiven, forgotten, blotted out.”
True lasting hope and thankfulness come when we think on these teachings of the Bible. They are there, through the ages, for our comfort and encouragement and strength.
Be strong in the Lord. Lay a strong foundation for thankfulness and hope. Train yourself to think on truths like this Isaiah snapshot.
