Surviving by the Branch

Scripture: In that day the Branch of the Lord will be beautiful and glorious, and the fruit of the land will be the pride and glory of the survivors in Israel. Isaiah 4:2

Observation: As Isaiah introduces themes for his prophesy - the downfall of Judah, the causes for judgment, and the future remnant - he includes this about the branch. This is a future offshoot that will rise to restore all, later directly aligned to King David.

Isaiah outlines the downfall of Judah. He declares their unfaithfulness toward the Lord, their wicked flaunting of the law and sin, their rejection of teaching and warnings, and their adoption of wanton living practices. With his judgment upon them, it is just this branch of salvation that is good, and that selected individuals will cling to. This was true in the 6th century BC, and in the 1st century AD ... and now in the 21st century.

Application: The Branch of the Lord - the Messiah - is beautiful and glorious to those who cling to it. In this day, where so many practices have progressed far beyond 'acceptable' and are even now celebrated and promoted as favorable, there remains a remnant looking to be the survivors of our times.

I have rightly applied the concept of 'exile' to my life, and that is of course what comes next for Judah. The word 'survivor' now also applies, and those were in fact who were exiled. As a survivor, I am called to pass through this age. As an exile, I am called to live within a culture opposed to my beliefs. And in both conditions, I am commanded to look to the Lord, and to his Branch, for what is beautiful and glorious, right and true.

Prayer: Lord, I am struggling with my daily walk. I find only hardship and conflict and difficulty. May I turn my attention to you instead, and see your compassion and purpose. Amen.