What Is A Remnant?
Micah 4:6-7
The word remnant is used over five hundred times in scripture and in various applications with different meanings. However they all share a common definition. It denotes a remainder, what is left over, a residue, a survivor, a cord. We may think of left overs, or remainders as less than; but not in God’s economy. He always had a purpose for remnant material, and remnant bread and oil in the building and functioning of the tabernacle. They were never less than. They were more than.
If you ever sewed or worked with material, you know what the remnant was. It was the end of bolt, the remaining material. Women that made quilts would often collect remnant pieces of fabric. This was not done haphazardly. Quilts were labors of love, and put together for special occasions. They told a story through fabric, which is why the pieces collected were special. They were chosen for historical significance, aesthetic appeal, and provenance. The recipient of such a gift would value this quilt not because of the cost of the material, but rather for the unique details, and the love that each piece of fabric represented. They were not just “left over” material.
Throughout scripture God refers to His remnant of people. They are the survivors that have endured much oppression, affliction, and attempted annihilation. Survivors are not weak and worn out leftovers. On the contrary, they are fighters, warriors; those who persevere through injustice, imprisonment, and those who were taken captive due to their own rebellion. Something inside of them refuses to let go, refuses to give up or to give in.
Jeremiah refers to the remnant of Israel a number of times. “Sing with gladness for Jacob, And shout among the chief priests of the nations; Proclaim, give praise, and say, O LORD save Your people, the remnant of Israel! Behold I will bring them from the north country, And gather them from the ends of the earth, Among them the blind and the lame…” 31:7-8 Paul gives detail to the remnant in Romans also. “Though the number of children of Israel be as the sand of the sea, The remnant will be saved.”
The constant wars in the Middle East, the chaos, the destruction, and the ongoing threat of Israel’s annihilation, can lead you to believe that it will never end, and that destruction is inevitable. While there will be continued war for a time….there is an end, and God Himself has written the story. Many may not like it nor believe it; but the fact remains that God has the last word over Israel. When Jesus returns to the earth, He will not be setting foot on any American mountain! “And in that day His feet will stand on the Mount of Olives, which faces Jerusalem on the east, And the Mount of Olives shall be split in two, from east to west…” Zechariah 4:14
Micah describes who God’s remnant is, “I will assemble the lame, I will gather the outcast and those whom I have afflicted; I will make the lame a remnant, and the outcast a strong nation..” He chooses what sounds foolish to us. It is not the high and the lofty, rather those who have been left lame and afflicted by the trials of life, their rebellion, and who have suffered being an outcast in a godless society.
The LORD will be gathering them back to Himself! The outcast…those who have been driven away and removed will be the remnant that He makes into a strong nation. There is a remnant of God’s people rising up across the world right now. Many who have suffered under severe persecution in other countries…such as Iran and China to name just two. And the leaders that refuse to stand in the face of evil that is blatantly infiltrating our churches and schools, are now being removed. God is raising up a righteous remnant. These are not left overs….these are warriors “for such a time as this”
“God Himself will be with them and be their God. And God will wipe away every tear from their eyes; their will be no more death, nor sorrow, nor crying. There shall be no more pain, for the former things have passed away.” Revelation 21:3-4