Remember the Remnant

Readings: 1 Kings 19:9-18 Romans 11:13-24 Matthew 24:37-44

Many people who have done great things for God and have been very successful have had moments of utter despair and loneliness and we remember those who like Elijah have been faithful to the end. Remember also that Christ Jesus was Himself deserted by his so-called faithful band. In the case of Elijah, we are glad to read that there were seven thousand who did not bow down to Baal in worship. So, wherever we go, we do have the faithful few who would stand for what is right, what is true and what is good ! What is their secret ? The still small voice of God !

Public opinion, the vast majority, the big guns, the loud voices, need not necessarily be right as God so often speaks to men in a small way, in the still small voice. We remember those "remnant" who live by the inner call of God.

Picture the big mountain top, the 800 priests of Baal leaping and dancing about their altar on one side, with their cries growing louder and more desperate, their dancing becoming faster and wilder; on the other side, Elijah alone quietly by his altar, without any fuss and fury defeated the prests of Baal because their god does not answer.

Remember Noah in his quiet obedience built the ark to save the remnant. Remember Mary and the few faces at the foot of the Cross of Jesus Christ. Remember Paul in desolation saying: "Only Luke is with me". Remember the faithful few who quietly worship with you at Evensong. Remember that what remains at the bottom of the cup is often precious.

Our Prayer for today is- Stir up what remains in our will and soul as we come towards the end of the year.

LUKE OOI