“ If Adonai-Tzva’ot had not left us a tiny, tiny remnant, we would have become like S’dom.” Isaiah 1:9
It is a remarkable fact that throughout the ages, God has always retained a remnant, set aside and consecrated for His purposes; in the good times, and in periods of darkness and apostasy. Even when they have despaired and lamented like the prophet Elijah, (“Now I’m the only (righteous) one left, and they (my enemies) are coming after me to kill me too,” – 1Kings 19:10) God has remained steadfast and faithful. Elijah discovered that he was not alone, for 7000 righteous people were hidden away who had not bowed the knee to Baal (1Kings 19:18).
Maybe, right now you feel isolated from those who claim to be ‘born-again’ believers, yet openly disregard clear biblical principles and instructions; Scripture spells out the consequences for such people. For example, we have seen how judgement invariably falls upon individuals, nations and empires when they turn against Israel and the Jewish people, or when issues such as abortion and gay marriage are readily supported. These ‘red lights’ are symptoms of an ailment which currently plagues church denominations, and threaten to extinguish their flame.
Yet, God has left a ‘tiny remnant’ which is standing in these days of adversity (Ephesians 6:13-14). They are those who, though yet imperfect, walk in the fullness of His love; uncompromisingly wholehearted in their pursuit of Him, such as described in the following statement of a note found from an African martyr:
“I’m part of the fellowship of the unashamed. I have the power of Ruach ha Kodesh. The die has been cast. I have stepped over the line. The decision has been made. I’m a disciple of his. I won’t look back, let up, slow down, back away, or be still.
My past is redeemed, my present makes sense, my future is secure. I’m finished and done with low living, sight walking, smooth knees, colourless dreams, tamed visions, worldly talking, cheap giving, and dwarfed goals. I no longer need preeminence, prosperity, position, promotions, plaudits, or popularity. I don’t have to be right, first, tops, recognised, praised, regarded, or rewarded. I now live by faith, lean in his presence, walk by patience, am uplifted in prayer, and I labour with power. My face is set, my gait is fast, my goal is heaven, my road is narrow, my way is rough, my companions are few, my Guide reliable, my mission clear.
I cannot be bought, compromised, detoured, lured away, turned back, deluded, or delayed. I will not flinch in the face of sacrifice, hesitate in the presence of the enemy, pander at the pool of popularity, or meander in the maze of mediocrity. I
won’t give up, shut up, let up, until I have stayed up, stored up, prayed up, paid up, preached up for the cause of Yeshua.
I am a disciple of Yeshua. I must go till he comes, give till I drop, preach till all know, and work till he stops me. And, when he comes for his own, he will have no problem recognising me . . . my banner will be clear!”
