Isaiah 65 - The Remnant

 

Isaiah 65 – The Remnant

 

God makes it very clear that Israel’s sins and their unfaithfulness are responsible for His judgment against them. Nevertheless, He has preserved a remnant through which He will fulfill all His prophecies. Romans 10:20, Paul quoted “I am sought of them that asked not for me, I am found of them that sought me not; Behold Me, unto a nation that was not called by my name.” Isaiah was speaking of the Gentiles.

 

When Paul went to Philippi there was not one man seeking to hear the gospel. Instead, he found Lydia holding a prayer meeting down by the river. At the time she may not have recognized her need but Paul shared the gospel with her anyway. God does the same thing; He responds to people who doesn’t even call upon Him.

 

Many people never asked to be saved but He saves them anyway. Isaiah reminded the Jews that the gospel was given to them first and since they rejected it God gave it to the Gentiles. We must be careful not to reject God’s blessings because He will find someone else to give them to. Someone who will appreciate them more.

The Jews missed out on many blessings because they practiced idolatry and rebelled against God. They didn’t keep His commandments but walked in pride. Still there is a remnant that God holds dear to His heart. He will never be done with the Israelites because of His promise. Today there is a remnant in the church that He holds out to the end.

The church that will go through the tribulation is called the old harlot in Revelation 17. It is a group that does not belong to Christ. It is not His bride at all. The true believers will be taken out before the Great Tribulation.

 

Isaiah was the only prophet in the Old Testament that saw all the way to the new heavens and the new earth. Like the apostle John, the prophet saw a time when tears would be wiped away and God’s people would live with Him in a continual state of eternal bliss. (Rev. 21:4). Even the best of God’s promises for this life cannot compare to His wonderful promises for the life to come. The God who loves us enough to redeem this fallen world will one day express the greatness of His love by creating a brand-new world for His children.

 

 

Please read the chapter listed so that you can understand God’s Word better.

If you have missed any lessons, you can go to: God Plans For You at https://sherrysouthard.blogspot.com.

J. Vernon McGee Commentary and Nelson’s Quick Reference Commentary.