I ask then: Did God reject his people? By no means! I am an Israelite myself, a descendant of Abraham, from the tribe of Benjamin. So too, at the present time there is a remnant chosen by grace.(Romans 11:1,5)
(Jesus can take a remnant and make a quilt)
The word "remnant" is an important concept in the Bible. it is used about 65 times. John Calvin said that God will always leave at least a remnant of the church until the end of history. A remnant is a sign of God's grace. One of the key verses about a remnant is Isaiah 9:2 that speaks of a shoot coming forth from the stump of Jesse. Images of a remnant are a leftover piece of cloth that is used to make a quilt; or a ruined building whose stones are used to make a new one; or a severely pruned tree or bush. But the point of a remnant is a pruning time where the cut back is meant to be a healthy choice.
In American and western culture, the church was once strong. There was once a universal consensus by people or the rulers that the Christian truth provided common values and shared commitments. In America, 3500 to 4,000 churches will close their doors this year. About 1,000 new churches will get started. Over half the churches in America will not have a single adult convert this year. The church is shrinking for many reasons, but one major one is that so many have a lack of faith. A church without faith will not grow and prosper and have purpose. But more importantly a church without faith will not be near to God.
The challenge of a remnant is two fold. A Remnant by definition remains. It remains true to God and true to its calling. So Elijah was part of a remnant of 7,000. Jeremiah was part of a remnant of a few. Jesus was part of a remnant. Paul said the New Testament church was a remnant (Romans 11).
The second challenge of a remnant is to not just stay true to itself, but to begin to bear fruit. A remnant begins to turn things around when it begins to grow and bear fruit, and multiply. A remnant is not so concerned about political power or influence. It is concerned about survival, remaining true, and witnessing. For the people talking about a church not looking at survival, they are wrong. Churches need to focus on God, but also have their survival in mind. The church survives by reaching out, by continually being open to others and seeking to please God.
The challenge of a remnant is two fold. A Remnant by definition remains. It remains true to God and true to its calling. So Elijah was part of a remnant of 7,000. Jeremiah was part of a remnant of a few. Jesus was part of a remnant. Paul said the New Testament church was a remnant (Romans 11).
The second challenge of a remnant is to not just stay true to itself, but to begin to bear fruit. A remnant begins to turn things around when it begins to grow and bear fruit, and multiply. A remnant is not so concerned about political power or influence. It is concerned about survival, remaining true, and witnessing. For the people talking about a church not looking at survival, they are wrong. Churches need to focus on God, but also have their survival in mind. The church survives by reaching out, by continually being open to others and seeking to please God.
Prayer: Lord, let me be a part of the remnant. Help me to be true to you- salt and light.
No comments:
Post a Comment