Moment With The Master
“The Remnant”
Even so then at this present time there is a remnant according to the election of grace”. (Romans 11:5)
“Remnant” does not appear to be a complimentary term, yet it is a word God used to describe his people. This word is defined according to W.E. Vines as “that which is left”. One would not think of the leftovers as being very comely. Yet, God uses this word describe his people in a glorious way.
Elijah, the prophet, was discouraged in his time ( I Kings 19:10) because he assumes that all Israel has fallen into the idol worship of Ahab and Jezebel. However, God says that there are 7,000 true worshipers left. These faithful ones (God’s special people) were called a “remnant”!
Just like in Elijah’s day, God’s faithful remnant has always been in the minority. For example, when God sent twelve spies into Canaan to spy out the land (Num.13:26-33), how many of those spies were faithful? How many of those spies can you name? You probably remember only two of them- Joshua and Caleb. You remember the two that were of the faithful remnant.
Also, Romans 9:27 Paul says, “Isaiah also cries out concerning Israel: ‘Though the number of the children of Israel be as the sand of the sea, the remnant shall be saved.’” His point is that only a small minority will accept the terms of salvation in Christ. Thus, the saved are described as a remnant. Jesus said, “Narrow is the gate and difficult is the way which leads to life, and there are few who find it.” (Mt.7:13,14)
So, be encouraged, brother! You may be ridiculed and ostracized by the multitude, but find comfort in being among God’s remnant!
George Slover
