“Pray for the remnant that still survives.” Isaiah 37:4b (NIV)
God always uses the few to impact the many. Only a small percentage of those in exile actually returned with Ezra, but as far as I know, nothing is remembered about those who stayed behind. But those who did risk it all to go back with Ezra are actually listed in the Bible (Ezra 2)!
So remember this, the remnant makes history! Think of Gideon’s army. God used the few to bring about a great victory. From 32,000 to 300, to go against a mighty foe whose camels could no more be counted than the sands of the seashore (Judges 7:12). The obedience of the few impacted the many!
Jesus said, “many are called few are chosen” (Matthew 22:14). It’s our choice whether we become a part of the chosen. Not everyone was invited to be one of Jesus’ twelve. They had to say yes to the invitation. But the few turned the world upside down!
It is truly an honor to be part of the remnant, but there is a catch! To him who has been given much, much more will be required (Luke 12:48). Those who are blessed to be near to Jesus, have much more expected of them. Please count the cost, but remember the benefits really do outweigh whatever it brings. No wonder Paul wrote “I want to know Christ and the power of His resurrection and the fellowship of His suffering” (Philippians 3:10). Paul knew that by knowing Jesus intimately, he was required to steward the revelation and calling that was given him.
But don’t forget, the few always impacts the many! Chose to be a part of the few!
Ask God to bless the remnant! Pray that more and more would respond to His call to follow Him wholeheartedly in this hour. Thank Him for choosing you and tell Him that you will gladly do whatever is asked of you as part of His remnant, one of His chosen ones.
