A Remnant of Grace - August 21, Readings: Ecclesiastes 11-12, Romans 11:1–10, Psalm 98, Proverbs 20:29–30

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I was preparing to graduate from college in 1978 when I began to hear rumblings about a fiery preacher from Lynchburg, Virginia and the new Christian political organization he was advocating - the Moral Majority. Who knew at the time what a political force Jerry Falwell and the religious right would become. Ronald Reagan and his revolution. The pro-life movement. The culture wars. The last 35 years have been a unique time in the history of the church.

Unfortunately, it is becoming increasingly clear that those with biblical values are likely not the majority in this land. Poll after poll tells us that our morality and values have been roundly rejected by the culture at-large. We are learning to live as a prophetic minority. That has been a real struggle for a lot of Christians who are used to having the upper hand in political matters, but in reality, what is happening is that the church in America is simply reverting to its natural state.

The church was born as a small minority. On the day of Pentecost there were 120 disciples gathered to worship the Risen Lord. The church was always a small minority, often neglected and ignored, sometimes repressed, and even persecuted. But the church of Jesus Christ did not know what it was like to live as a cultural majority for more than 300 years after the time of Christ. But that small minority, that faithful remnant of followers of Jesus Christ turned the world upside down in 30 years. God has never needed a majority to accomplish his work. He's never needed a large army. He sent Gideon into battle with 300. The Israelite slaves defeated Egypt's powerful chariots. David defeated Goliath. One Elijah was all it took against hundreds of false prophets.

Romans 11:5 mentions the concept of the remnant. After talking about Elijah and his sense that he was all alone, God told him that there was a faithful remnant of 7000 in Jerusalem which had not bowed the knee to Baal. A remnant. A faithful remnant. That is all God needs. Look at verse 5.

So too at the present time there is a remnant, chosen by grace. 

We are Americans and we are used to majority rule. Get out and win the vote. But this verse reminds us that our God doesn't work that way. When Abraham prayed, God was willing to save Sodom if there was a faithful remnant of only 10 people. Ten. I don't know how big Sodom was but that is a small percentage, a small remnant in that wicked town. But God said that if he had a remnant he could do marvelous things.

God doesn't need an army, he just seeks a remnant of grace. A small group of blood-bought believers who will put themselves in his hands and serve him with all their heart and soul and strength. He doesn't need a majority, he just desires fidelity. The Bible is filled with stories of amazing things that God did through one person or a small band of ordinary folks who were willing to serve God faithfully. It's the remnant principle.

Folks, we don't have to bemoan the loss of the moral majority in America. We just have to be willing to be part of the faithful remnant. God doesn't need majorities to do miracles!

Father, thank you for you amazing power through ordinary folks like me.