Revelation 20 Isaiah 7-8 Psalm 110
“Shear-jashub” (Isaiah 7:3). The name means “a remnant shall return,” promising Ahaz that, even if the worst should happen, God’s promises will be fulfilled. Come what may, the whole story of God’s salvation will be written. And so it is proven to John, as he sees “the souls of those who had been beheaded for their testimony” resurrected and reigning with Christ a thousand years as “priests of God and Christ” (Revelation 20:4-6). It is always a timely reminder . . .
“Immanuel” (Isaiah 7:14). You know the meaning. “God is with us” (Isaiah 8:10; Matthew 1:23). Sign and promise. God is with us when we are threatened (Isaiah 7). God, who is “at your right hand” (Psalm 110:5), is greater than your enemies. And, even when the worst comes to pass and the lives of the faithful are taken (Revelation 20:4), God is still present and faithful, fulfilling every promise of life and victory (Revelation 20:4-6, 12; Psalm 110:1). Therefore:
“Take heed, be quiet, do not fear, and do not let your heart be faint” (Isaiah 7:4). That is, “stand firm in faith” (v.9). Those who do, come what may, inherit life in all its fulness. Those who do not, “shall not stand at all.” Notice, in particular, the word of the Lord in Isaiah 8:11-13, “Do not call conspiracy all that this people calls conspiracy, and do not fear what it fears.” So many people walk in fear . . . This day’s readings identify such fear as evidence of a deep lack of faith in “God with us.” And, at its core lies a distrust in God’s ability to keep promises and bring the story to right conclusion. But the Revelation reveals that those who are faithful to God do not walk in the way of the people . . . May you believe that God is with you, come what may. May you take heed, rise above fear, and stand firm in faith. And may you know that God is at your right hand every step of the way. Amen.
“The Lord says to my Lord,
‘Sit at my right hand
until I make your enemies your footstool.'”
— Psalm 110:1
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