“For out of Jerusalem shall go a remnant, and out of Mount Zion a band of survivors. The zeal of the Lord will do this.” – 2 Kings 19:31
This verse addresses a critical theme and recurring pattern throughout Scripture. God always preserves the faithful remnant of His people. Over and over again, from Genesis to Revelation, we see that not everyone who identifies with God is actually a faithful believer. Those who claim the name of God without truly believing and living out that faith in obedience eventually suffer catastrophic judgment. It has happened repeatedly to Israel and to other nations. But God always preserves a remnant who are truly faithful.
It happened in the great Flood. It happened in the Wilderness. It happened in the Exile. It happened after the destruction of Jerusalem by Rome. Jesus describes it in Matthew 25. Paul describes it in Romans chapters 9 through 11. Not all Israel is Israel. Not all Christians are Christian. Many today claim the name of Jesus. But is He truly their Lord and Savior? Have they submitted to Him, having been saved by God’s grace through life changing faith in Jesus as resurrected and ruling Lord? Jesus promised that everyone who believes in Him will be saved. However, He was emphatic that if we don’t live in obedience to Him we don’t really believe in Him.
Expect another great culling of the church in the coming years. Be prepared for hard times that will cause many who are only nominally Christian to leave because of the cost of obedience. However, God will always preserve the faithful remnant unto eternity. Take stock of your own faith and make sure you are in that faithful remnant. Is Jesus your Savior? Is He truly the Lord of your life? Have you submitted your life, your time, your talents, and your treasure to obeying and serving King Jesus? Is His Kingdom and character increasingly your Kingdom and character? Are you pursuing the agenda of Heaven or grasping at the things of the earth? #FollowJesus