Romans 11:01-10 Chosen remnant in every generation
The King of Prussia was talking to the chaplain of his army and said, "Listen, can you give me one word that would somehow, in some way, validate the inerrancy of God’s Word, that would validate the fact that it is the truly inspired scripture?" The chaplain said, "Israel. Israel. Israel."(Adopted illustration).
The remnant of Israel is the main object of this session. The rejection of Jews of the Jews is not universal. Paul remembers and recalls the events that happened during the time of King Ahab and the role of Elijah. It is good to understand what happened in the history of Israel. Paul summarizes the story of Elijah found in 1 Kings 19:1-18. Just as the majority of ethnic Israel was apostate in Elijah’s day so it was in Paul’s day. The Jewish nation was as in a deep sleep, without knowledge of their danger, or concern about it; having no sense of their need of the Savior, or of their being upon the borders of eternal ruin.
Paul would like to remind us that God has kept faithful remnants in all generations. Therefore, Paul emphasizes the unknown, unpopular remnants of Israel during the time of Elijah. The remnants had the shadow, cover of the Almighty God. The remnant has been preserved by the Grace of God. According to Paul, the remnant was chosen according to the election of grace, not because of their greater wisdom or spiritual perception. Grace is the free gift of God, given out of the kindness of the giver, and not with an eye to performance or potential in the one receiving. God glorifies his grace by changing the hearts and tempers of the rebellious.
Paul answers the critic who says the Jews have been tossed aside, and the Christian now has the sole promise, the Jews once held. A Remnant Chosen by Grace! The question arose, has God rejected the Jews since He is embracing the Gentiles? The answer is a resounding no! God does not reject Jews. But Jews who rejected Him. The elect among Israel received and responded to the mercy of God but the rest were hardened by their rejection. Therefore, God goes out of His way to give gentiles the grace they do not deserve. He gives Jews His Way, even though they continue to fight against Him by hardening their hearts and rejecting His Truth and precepts. Jews had killed His messengers and prophets, rejected His teachings, and refused to accept His love and grace. Therefore, God has kept the remnants. God has selected many ethnic Israelites despite many Jews rejecting him.
In every generation, God keeps faithful to remain his testimonies. The remnant belongs to all races, tribes, and languages. The remnant belongs to all denominations of the Church. They are found in missionary agencies and secular offices. God keeps his people in every generation. God is the Lord of all, savior of the world. He does his mission works through his remnants in all walks of life.
Discussion:
Who are the remnants as of date?
(for further studies on Romans by Rev. Dr. Andrew B Natarajan, please refer this cite)
