May 20, 2021
What does it say?
God foretold He would use Assyria as an instrument of judgment on the Northern Kingdom but promised to preserve and deliver a remnant who sought the Lord.
What does it mean?
The sovereign God would bring judgment to accomplish His purposes. God was longsuffering toward his sinful people, but He is also holy and just. He warned Israel of coming judgment as incentive to turn from willfulness, but their hearts were arrogant and unresponsive. Through the harsh Assyrian campaign, God encouraged His people with the promise to preserve a remnant, those who would choose to return to Him. The judgment on Israel would be limited, and God would stop the Assyrians from conquering Judah. God was active in the lives of His people, delivering those who put faith in Him.
How should I respond?
We are all accountable before God. He will not allow our sin to go on indefinitely. Refusal to respond to the Lord’s discipline only leads to more judgment. But in every generation, God preserves a remnant who turn to Him and live in repentance and restoration from sin. In our world of moral relevance, are you living by your opinion even when it conflicts with clear biblical commands? Ask God to make your heart responsive to His Word. Then the Lord Almighty will preserve you with the few who choose to trust Him completely. The choice is yours: will you trust in yourself or in the Lord?