S) "3 It will come about that he who is left in Zion and remains in Jerusalem will be called holy—everyone who is recorded for life in Jerusalem."
Isaiah 4:3 (NASB)
O) This is a great foreshadow of end times, as described in Revelation 2 (especially v.11). Over and over, throughout the Bible, God calls His people to remain faithful. He allows challenges in our lives, to see that we will hold fast to our devotion, patiently waiting for Him. In the meantime, we are admonished not to seek false gods, false hope, false help. While the above verse is physical in nature, that is not necessarily what God wants in our lives, exactly. For example, when the Jerusalem was invaded by Babylon, Jeremiah warned the people repeatedly, that they must submit themselves to king Nebuchadnezzar. But, when the city was conquered, and the people either taken or killed, Jeremiah was allowed to either stay behind, or march to Babylon with the majority of the survivors (see Jeremiah 40). He chose to stay behind with the smallest fraction of the remnant.
A) Above all else, I must continue to seek the will of the LORD, especially during calamity. I can make informed decisions, but unless I am devoted to God and His ways, I am still doomed. But, by preparing myself, determining ahead of time to pursue Him in all difficulties, then I am promised life.
P) Father, I cannot imagine what struggles are in my future, but I know that You know. By Your will, reveal future difficulties to me, let me be found prepared and ready, able to stand firm in my faith. Help me keep focus, remembering that life by Your word is the only thing that matters in the end. Thank You for the grace You have shown me, in bringing me this far. By Your grace, see me through to the end. In Jesus's name I pray. Amen.
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