Chapters of His Heart: Isaiah 11

A Remnant of Hope

First read Isaiah chapter 11 and then join me back here. 

From the remnant comes a promise. From hope comes greater hope. Israel was cut down to a stump, destroyed, but for a remnant of the faithful. From this stump a new branch will grow from the old root.  A man of hope, a perfectly fair judge who would rule forever. In the time of His reign peace would fall and all of nature would return to harmony. Wild animals would be gentle, "The Lion will eat hay like a cow." Children would play with dangerous animals without harm. What a world! This must be a picture of what Eden was like. So beautiful, so perfect, so like God. My favorite part is verse nine, listen to this;

"Nothing will hurt or destroy in all my holy mountain,
 for as the waters fill the sea,
so the earth will be filled with people who know the LORD."

Beautiful. Such a beautiful promise.

This branch, this man, was the heir to David's throne, the Messiah. His reign  would bring salvation to all the world. God promised that one day, because of the Messiah, He would bring the remnant of His scattered people from every corner of the earth. This is what Christ will do when He comes back to rule the Earth. He will gather all His people. He promises that He will make a way for their return. Whatever it takes He will bring His own back to Him. Even if it means rerouting the largest river on earth to get them there. (Read verse 15 again) God's heart longs to be reunited with His children.