“Lord, I’m the only one left to honor you, and they’re seeking my life too.” God’s reply, “Eljah, I’ve kept 7000 men for myself who haven’t bowed the knee to Baal.” So too at the present time there is a remnant chosen by grace. But if it is by grace, it is no longer on the basis of works; otherwise grace would no longer be grace.” (pp Rom.11:3–6)
Holy Father, keep reminding me of the same glorious truths you spoke to Elijah. It was your grace that got me into your story and will keep me there, and it’s your grace that is shaping the entire history of the cosmos and the salvation of your impossible to count “remnant.” You are that generous and that mighty to save.
What a great, grace phrase: “I have reserved for myself”—that’s how you think of us—your beloved children. You’ve made reservations for us, secured salvation of us, and guarantee preservation of us all the way Home. So just how big is your “remnant”? Many of them have Israeli passports, many have Iranian, Iraqi, Palestinian, Russian, and Ukrainian “papers.” But with Gospel-eyes, John saw your forever family like this:
“A great multitude that no one could count, from every nation, tribe, people and language, standing before the throne and before the Lamb.” (Rev.7:9). Hallelujah and thank you. This is the meaning, heartbeat, and major storyline of all history. Father, heal our spiritual shortsightedness and astigmatism. Free us from under-believing the Gospel and semi-trusting you with the future of the world—or even the next 72 hours.
We want to live with bowed knees and palms up all the way Home. Renew our passion for every-nation mission, church planting and church renewal, and personal evangelism. You give “grace upon grace” to us in the Gospel (Jn.1:16), and “grace will be grace” until your glory and “remnant” fill the new heaven and new earth. Hallelujah, and So Very Amen.
