A Call To The Remnant

Isaiah 13:3

“I have commanded my sanctified ones, I have also called my mighty ones for mine anger, even them that rejoice in my highness.”

There is a burden, and it lies heavily upon the sanctified saints of the Lord. They see what is coming as clearly as they see the sun setting, and they know that the end is at hand. Yet this burden does not drive them to despair, but to the Word. It presses them down, but only that they might be found lower still at the feet of God.

For those who ignore the burden of the Lord, it shall one day crush them like a heavy load. What the saints carried in prayer and trembling, the world shall carry in terror and judgment. The burden that sanctifies the obedient shall break the back of the proud.

The weapons God chooses to use are indignation. Not the anger of the flesh, but that holy indignation which rises when the name of the living God is mocked. David heard the giant defy the armies of Israel, and his heart burned within him. He took a few smooth stones from the brook and ran toward the enemy.

So are the saints of God. They are the smooth stones, sanctified by the river, shaped only by the hand of God. Hidden, reduced, and made ready, they shall be used to bring down all that exalts itself above the Lord. God does not need the proud and polished weapons of men. He takes what has been formed in the waters of affliction and places it in His sling.

The hearts of men shall fail them when they see the signs in the heavens and know that the Son of Man approaches. The heavens shall be shaken, and the earth shall move out of her place as that terrible day draws near. A banner shall be lifted high upon the mountain for all the world to see. It is the Lord’s standard, and every other standard must fall beneath it.

In the Old Testament, God used even the wicked as His instruments. He called them, in a type, His anointed ones, His rods of judgment. But a greater day is coming. The Lord shall return with His saints at His side. The dead in Christ shall rise, and those who are alive and remain shall be caught up to join the heavenly hosts.

Then the hearts of the whole world shall melt like wax in the presence of the Lord. His enemies shall be subdued, and His peace shall break forth like the dawning of a brand-new day. The wolf shall dwell with the lamb, the leopard shall lie down with the kid, and the calf and the young lion together, and a little child shall lead them. The earth shall be full of the knowledge of the Lord as the waters cover the sea.

And the saints shall dwell high upon the mountain of God. They shall rejoice in His exaltation. They shall praise the Lord, and the whole earth shall be filled with the praises of God.

Therefore, let the saints carry the burden faithfully. Let them find their rest in the Word. Let them be shaped by the river and held in the hand of God. For the day of the Lord is at hand, and blessed are they who rejoice in His exaltation.