Saturday, March 25th 2017
THE REMNANT OF ISRAEL
Through the power of love,
God continually held out his hands to Israel, though they were rebellious and
did not accept his word. What then will God do for them?
1. There is a remnant
chosen by faith (1-5)
Considering their
rebellion, it's normal for God to reject them. Yet God does not act the way man
does. In spite of the people's ignominy, God is patient to the end. Paul has
the same heart for his people (9:3). Now, God has kept a remnant of Israel. If
we examine the situation, it seems dark, since none among the Jews has really
received Jesus. However, this isn't the case. Paul says that according to God's
sovereignty, certain people will believe and be saved, as was the case in the
days of Elijah. Just as 7,000 men were kept for God, so there will be a remnant
of elected people. And this is by grace.
2. The Jews rely on works
(6-10)
The Jews were elected and
it was truly God's grace. Yet, they weren't satisfied with that, thinking it
was too easy. So, they turned to works and sought salvation through works, but
in the eyes of God, man's works are as filthy rags. Their hearts were hardened,
partly because of their blind efforts to justify their salvation, and partly
because they didn't really hear God's word. Though, there are others who are
elected and freely saved, without works. They recognize that they do not
deserve God's grace. He blesses the pagans that understand how serious sin is
and how precious salvation is.
Prayer: Lord, thank you for
keeping a remnant of people who seek and fear you. Help me to always recognize
my election and give my life for you.
Bottom line: the remnant of
Israel for God
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