November 27: THE GREATEST LITERARY MASTERPIECE (part 3)

“I have not spoken in secret, in a dark place of the earth; I did not say to the seed of Jacob, ‘Seek Me in vain’; I, the LORD, speak righteousness. I declare things that are right.” Isaiah 45:19

In earlier times, names had a specific meaning. The name Jacob literally means “heel grabber.” This is why we say “you’re pulling my leg” in response to someone who exaggerates or says something untrue or difficult to believe. More serious implications of the name Jacob include “supplanter” and “deceiver.” It is especially encouraging to see how God Himself gave Jacob the new name of Israel meaning Overcomer or Prevailer with God following the long night of wrestling (Genesis 32:28). This was the turning point of Jacob’s life and he knew it. And [God] blessed him there (v.29). It also is a sure testimony that such a turning point happens in the heart of an individual soul. God is saving people individually.

There is a corporate description of the group of individuals called the remnant. God has always preserved a remnant, and there will be a remnant at the end of earth’s history. A prominent characteristic is patience in the throes of testing and tribulation (Revelation 13:10, 14:12). This points directly to an abiding love relationship with the LORD. Through getting to know Him in His word, often called the law and the testimony, the remnant wholeheartedly trusts and obeys what is written in Scripture. Through the life of obedience, they are conditioned to discern the world’s myriad of false doctrines, called the wine of Babylon (Revelation 14:8). Such discernment accompanies a saving knowledge of God. To know Him is to love Him! *

This is why Jesus came into the world. He is the ultimate Israel who overcame the tempter’s snares by knowing and obeying the written word (Matthew 4, Luke 4, John 16:33). His followers are also empowered to overcome. In human flesh, Jesus defied the devil’s lie that God’s law is impossible to keep. Jesus is our Example.

Those who choose to live in obedience to God’s instructions, despite what the world is telling us to do, are particularly irritating to the enemy. In fact, he is enraged by them! How do we know if something we are told to do is from God or emissaries of the devil? The Greatest Literary Masterpiece is the law and the testimony of God.

To the law and to the testimony! If they speak not according to this word, there is no light in them. Isaiah 8:20

And the dragon was wroth with the woman, and went to make war with the remnant of her seed, which keep the commandments of God, and have the testimony of Jesus Christ. Revelation 12:17 (KJV)

* For further study: John 14:15, John 15:10, 1 John 2:4