Left Behind

Read 2 Kings 25

Read Isaiah 1

In both our readings today we hear of terrible destruction and devastation. Don't blame God, however! The sin and wickedness of the nation brought the trouble upon itself. They had rejected God's commands, his calls for repentance, his Divine protection, and his promise of forgiveness and a restored relationship.

So Jerusalem is sacked. God's house, the beautiful temple that Solomon built, is burned, and its valuables carried off. The total destruction is so severe, we can even begin to paint an accurate and meaningful picture in a short blog. God's judgment is severe and harsh. And he is just in his judgments.

What is interesting is that in both readings, however, we hear about a remnant of people who remain (which is why it is called a "remnant.") In our first reading we heard that some poor people, vine dressers and plowmen, are left in the land. In our second reading, we hear that if some had not been left behind, they would have been like Sodom, which was completely burned up and destroyed, except for Lot and some of his family. Even in the terrible devastation, God preserves for us in his Word that he is gracious, and leaves some faithful people.

The fact that they were left was a blessing to them - they kept their lives and remained in the land, demolished though it was. But it is also a blessing to us! You see, God had promised (and he will not take it back) that from this people and from this land would come an offspring (a descendant of Abraham) who would rescue humanity from its sin and brokenness.

And indeed, this would be the case. God would remember his people. God would preserve them. God would even lead captives back to the land. God would make them a nation again. The Royal Line of David was preserved. The Messiah would come!

Today we give thanks to God that at the coming of the judgment, some were left behind in the land. (By the way, this brings a different understanding to Jesus' eschatological - a.k.a. "end times" - speech in Matthew 24. The "Left Behind" authors have it completely backwards. It's not about the rapture at all. It's about remaining in God's grace, not being swept away in the coming judgment (Mt. 24:40-41). But that's another topic for another day!)

Yes, we rejoice that God preserved his people and provided a Redeemer, Jesus the Christ. We rejoice, therefore, that through him we have forgiveness of sins. We rejoice to hear Isaiah proclaim in our text today: "Come now, let us reason together, says the LORD: though your sins are like scarlet, they shall be as white as snow; though they are red like crimson, they shall become like wool" (v. 18). We know this is accomplished through the cross, and applied in baptism, and renewed through the Word of God. Yes, what cause for rejoicing!

Ask Yourself:

Our reading today is historical truth. But is it more than that to me?

How seriously do I heed God's warnings and regard his justice?

What do I do with my guilt? How can I be assured that my sins are cleansed and made as white as snow?

Pray:

Pray from your heart today concerning the readings and the questions. Thank him that your salvation is provided for through his Son, Jesus Christ.

Study with me tomorrow,

Pastor Jon

Soli Deo Gloria!