Remnant is a term that is not uncommon for Israel. Here are some of the times it was used:

 1.      It was first used by Joseph when he stated that God allowed him to save a remnant of Jacob’s family (Gn 45:7).

 2.      It was used of Israel being preserved from the ravages of Assyria (2Ki 19:4).

 3.      It was used by God to state that the remnant of Judah that was saved from the sword would be taken captive (2Ch 36:20).

 4.      It was a term Ezra used to describe those that returned from Persia back to Jerusalem (Er 9:8).

 5.      It was used by Paul to state the Jews who would turn to Christ during the time of the Gentiles (Ro 9:27, 11:15).

The term has also been applied to Gentiles as well: It is also a term used by the prophets to state Gentiles who would accept Christ during the Tribulation (Is 11:16).

We can see from this that the righteous have always been the minority. In broad strokes, the righteous minority prior to Christ were the Gentiles, and the righteous minority after the time of Christ are the Jews. Even within Israel, though, were both righteous and unrighteous. We know of people like Moses, Joshua and David were righteous and followed both the spirit and intent of the Law. However, we know there were many ordinary people who did the same. We have an example with Elijah, who after killing the prophets of Baal felt he was alone in his serving God; however, God told him there were over 7,000 who had not bowed to Baal (1Ki 19:18). We also know there were many who did not serve the Lord and is the reason for the prophets’ announcements of doom and captivity.

As we stated in previous posts, the Jews were the Christian majority in the beginning of the Church Age but became the minority as more and more Gentiles became Christians. When many Christians became anti-Semitic, it caused a big rift between Christians and Jews which isolated more and more Jews from Christian contact and influence. Today, many Jews are pretty much agnostic when it comes to their relationship with God. They are strongly tied to tradition but necessarily to God Himself. Therefore, although the Jews are the Christian minority today, that will not always be the case. We read that one day, it will again be the Jews who will lead the world in the worship of God (Zc 8:23). This will occur after Jesus Christ returns. Although Israel as a nation rejected Jesus Christ the first time, they will accept him when he returns; their sins will be forgiven, and Israel will once again be righteous before God (Zc 12:10). Then they will fulfill their original charge to lead to world in the worship of God (Ex 19:6). It is good to know that God always fulfills his promises no matter how long it takes.

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Visit Books & Words to Inspire by Randy C. Dockens

Well, we are almost at the beginning of another year. Many people make New Year’s resolutions. However, they are usually forgotten before March can ever arrive. Somehow, we have turned the word resolution into an oxymoron. After all, what is a resolution but a choice that one makes resolute. The word ‘resolute’ means “admirably purposeful, determined, and unwavering.” Yet, we have made this a tradition of wishes and not resolutions. Wishing or being resolute can make all the difference.

Our choices have consequences: either good or bad. But the consequences may affect others and not just ourselves. Let’s look at a few that others have made. Adam, for example, decided that he wanted things his way and bound the whole world to being born into sin. Yes, that was a choice with consequences – severe consequences. Even David, the man after God’s own heart, disobeyed by wanting to know how many was in his kingdom rather than just relying upon God’s protection and caused severe consequences that affected many within his realm. Then there is Joshua who made a choice to follow God and was able to defeat all of Israel’s foes. Or Gideon who decided to fight a war that most would consider impossible to win yet God won the war for him. Therefore, small decisions can have huge consequences or huge rewards. Many times it is not the actual action that makes the difference but the willingness to act that God honors.

Then there is one of the biggest decisions of all. God, before he even created Adam decided that he would redeem mankind (Ep 1:4). Even though He knew the decision Adam would make, he still allowed Adam to freely make his decision. However, God’s decision also had consequences. The second person of the trinity became man in the form of Jesus Christ who died on the cross for all the sins of mankind: past, present and future. This act of Christ becoming man forever changed his relationship with the first person of the trinity, whom we call God the Father. No longer would he be relating spirit to spirit. Christ forever remains a man (1Tm 2:5) so that he can forever relate to us humans. Although, not in our present state, of course, but in our transfigured, or resurrected, bodies (1Co 15:49). All of us who have accepted what Christ did for us on the cross will one day spend an eternity with our redeemer, our Messiah and King.

So, what decision will you make this year? Will it be a wish or a resolution? Can your decision be as resolute as God’s was for us? Will you accept His resolute decision and the action he accomplished on your behalf? If so, that will make 2019 a year like none other for you. Then what you wish for deep down will become a resolute decision that will take you on through life and through eternity to come.

Have a wonderful, happy and prosperous 2019! Both physically and spiritually.

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Visit Books & Words to Inspire by Randy C. Dockens