Recently, I was in my prayer time when God impressed upon me about the remnant. As I began to sit in the weight of what God was showing me, tears flowed down my face, and I cried out in prayer. The reality was upon me: the remnant is small, very small. What about all of the people who will not be saved? What about those who are a part of the remnant but may be feeling misunderstood, alone, and discouraged? My heart has been heavy since this realization came to me. Every time I think about it, I can only pray, and cry, and cry out in prayer.
Remnant is defined by Merriam-Webster’s as an usually small part, member, or trace remaining; a small, surviving group. A remnant can metaphorically be compared to a seed. A seed contains within itself the germ of a future plant. Likewise, the remnant are the people who God uses to continue His plans and purposes, now and in the future. In 1 Kings 18, the Prophet Elijah challenged, defeated, and killed the prophets of Baal in accordance with the instructions of God. By 1 Kings 19, the Prophet Elijah was running from Jezebel to save his life. On three occasions, Elijah lamented that he was alone in his dedication to God.
And he said, “I have been very zealous for the Lord God of hosts; because the children of Israel have forsaken Your covenant, torn down Your altars, and killed Your prophets with the sword. I alone am left; and they seek to take my life.” (1 Kings 19:14).
God responded to Elijah, Yet I have reserved seven thousand in Israel, all whose knees have not bowed to Baal, and every mouth that has not kissed him (1 Kings 19:18).
If you are a part of the remnant, be comforted in knowing that you are not alone in your service to God. God always leaves Himself a people who will love only Him. You may feel like you are in a wilderness by yourself. You may feel like your zeal for God has left you isolated and alone. You may go to a job where you are mocked for your beliefs. Even other people who declare themselves to be Christians, may believe that you are too radical. God does not think that about you. God selected and called you for this very purpose: to be a light in this dark world.
Theologians estimate that the children of Israel were a population of millions. Yet, God only reserved 7,000 for Himself. How small is a remnant of 7,000 people? Consider that there are modern-day churches with more than 7,000 members and professional sports venues that far surpass a 7,000 person capacity. In the days of Noah, God was grieved in His heart because of the wickedness of man. When He decided to punish man for their sins by flooding the Earth, He reserved eight (8) people in the Ark. He continued His plans for the entire world with only eight (8) people. The path that leads to eternal life is truly a strait gate and a narrow way (Matthew 7:13-14).
Are you a part of the remnant? Do not deceive yourself. When we give our lives to Christ, He makes us a new creature (2 Corinthians 5:17). You live your life for Him because He gave His life for you (Galatians 2:20). Your desire to please Him will become stronger than your desire to please yourself. He does not require perfection but He does require that we live by faith, repentance, and holiness. We do not know when we will take our last breath, or when Jesus will return, but we must be diligent in making our calling and election sure (2 Peter 1:10). And if the righteous one is scarcely saved, where will the ungodly and the sinner appear? (1 Peter 4:18)
For a more detailed understanding of salvation, read The Recipe.
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Copyright 2020 T.L. Lockley. All rights reserved.
Scripture taken from the New King James Version®. Copyright © 1982 by Thomas Nelson. Used by permission. All rights reserved.
