The story of the nation of Israel is fascinating! I do not claim to be an expert; however, I do enjoy reading the stories from the Old Testament and how they tie into both the New Testament and our lives today. Are you considered a Remnant?
We (Christians) are once again at a cross-roads. Do we choose Love or do we choose Justice? People really have not changed much… Yes, we know more, we have more, etc. Choosing right from wrong is still and will always be a struggle until we are restored.
In my recent struggles with the United Methodist Church abandoning the traditional Wesleyan Theology that the Bible is the primary rule and authority for faith, morals, and service, against which all other authorities must be measured; I have spent a lot time focusing on my Doctrines and the Church. During this process I sometimes feel like the Remnant of Israel. So, I thought I would share a perspective on the story of the “Remnant”.
(If you want the bottom line, click here to skip down to the summary.)
Let’s start with Elijah, who went from victory that turned into fear and depression. In his despair the prophet prayed to die. In 1 Kings 19 we find Elijah standing on the mountain discussing with God how the Israelites have rejected His covenant and killed all of the prophets and Elijah is the only one left – and – they are trying to kill him too. You may remember some of the story: there was a powerful wind that tore the mountains apart, a great earthquake, a great fire and then a gentile whisper. Then he heard the voice of God. As I was reading this, it may have had more of an impact since in the past few months, we have experienced great winds (Helene) and great fires (California).
The Lord told Elijah to anoint 3 new prophets to eliminate the unfaithful. Then in verse 18:
“Yet I reserve seven thousand in Israel—all whose knees have not bowed down to Baal and whose mouths have not kissed him.”[1]
Paul references this verse in Romans Chapter 11 where he is talking about The Remnant of Israel and asking the question: “Did God reject his people?” Rm 11:1. Paul goes on in verse 5 to say:
“So too, at the present time there is a remnant chosen by grace.”[2]
Paul was an Israelite from the tribe of Benjamin. Like Paul, there were many Jews who were faithful that became Christians and, in this chapter, he is explaining that there is still a faithful remnant for the rest of the world to find salvation. This was all part of God’s plan from long ago. After Elijah we find a wonderful story of Hosea.
Several centuries before Christ, Hosea portrays God’s love for Israel and us in a unique way through a story of the relationship between Hosea and his wife Gomer. It is a tragic love story that outlines the struggles of Israel and God’s mercy and grace. It is also a story of an obedient prophet.
The Lord asked Hosea to marry Gomer and they had children who were given specific names associated with Israel’s unfaithfulness:
- Son – Jezreel: punish the house of Jehu for the massacre at Jezreel
- Daughter – Lo-Ruhamah: no longer show love to the house of Israel, but will show love to Judah
- Son – Lo-Ammi: you are not my people, and I am not your God
Then in Hosea 1:10-11, God, shows he is still committed to Israel and says:
10Yet the Israelites will be like the sand on the seashore, which cannot be measured or counted. In the place where it was said to them, “You are not my people”, they will be called “children of the living God”. 11 The people of Judah and the people of Israel will come together; they will appoint one leader and will come up out of the land, for great will be the day of Jezreel.[3]
Gomer runs off with other men and God tells Hosea to pay what he must to get her back. This a unique turn of events because, as a prophet, Hosea should not marry an adulteress. The mercy and love of God displayed shows that no matter what we do, how much we sin, He will redeem us and He wants us to be obedient to Him!
Summary
The message to Israel was missed and God spared a remnant of Jacob so that the faithful would return to Jerusalem and the Messiah would come to teach, heal and offer eternal life for all who would follow Him. There is much more, so I encourage you to read Hosea and study how it ties to the New Testament.
Chapter 12:6 says it best:
6 But you must return to your God;
maintain love and justice,
and wait for your God always. [4]
Footnote for this verse:
The two principles that Hosea called his nation to live by, love and justice, are the very foundation of God’s character. They are essential to his followers, but they are not easy to keep in balance. Some people are loving to the point that they excuse wrongdoing. Others are just to the extent that they forget love. Love without justice, because it it not aiming at a higher standard, leaves people in their sins. Justice without love, because it has no heart, drives people away from God. To specialize in one at the expense of the other is to distort our witness. Today’s church, just like Hosea’s nation, must live by both principles. [5]
[1] The Holy Bible: New International Version (Anglicised Edition, 2011) (Revised and updated edition, 1 Ki 19:18). (2011). Hodder & Stoughton.
[2] The Holy Bible: New International Version (Anglicised Edition, 2011) (Revised and updated edition, Ro 11:5). (2011). Hodder & Stoughton.
[3] The Holy Bible: New International Version (Anglicised Edition, 2011) (Revised and updated edition, Ho 1:10–11). (2011). Hodder & Stoughton.
[4] The Holy Bible: New International Version (Anglicised Edition, 2011) (Revised and updated edition, Ho 12:6). (2011). Hodder & Stoughton.
[5] The Holy Bible: New International Version, Life Application Bible (Anglicised Edition, 2011) (Revised and updated edition, Ho 12:6). (2011). Hodder & Stoughton.
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