Throughout Scripture, we see that God preserves a faithful remnant. In our story, it is only Noah and his family. Genesis 6: 5 The Lord saw that the wickedness of man was great in the earth, and that every intention of the thoughts of his heart was only evil continually… 7 So the Lord said, “I will blot out man whom I have created from the face of the land, man and animals and creeping things and birds of the heavens, for I am sorry that I have made them.” 8 But Noah found favor in the eyes of the Lord. [1]
God desires all humanity to follow Him, but He is more than willing to work with the few with faithful hearts. Psalm 1:1Blessed is the man who walks not in the counsel of the wicked, nor stands in the way of sinners, nor sits in the seat of scoffers; 2 but his delight is in the law of the Lord… In all that he does, he prospers.[2]
Other Examples of Remnants
Through surprising circumstances, God sent Joseph ahead to Egypt to save his family from drought. Genesis 45: 7 And God sent me before you to preserve for you a remnant on earth, and to keep alive for you many survivors.[3]
Elijah thought he was the only believer left in the land, but God informed him there were more. 1 Kings 19: 18 Yet I will leave seven thousand in Israel, all the knees that have not bowed to Baal, and every mouth that has not kissed him.[4]
Isaiah used the imagery of a tree stump to prophesy there would be a remnant when it looked dead. Isaiah 11: 1There shall come forth a shoot from the stump of Jesse, and a branch from his roots shall bear fruit. 2And the Spirit of the Lord shall rest upon him. [5] We know that this was Jesus who would save us from our sins.
A Remnant of One
God had placed Israel at the crossroads of civilization to demonstrate who God was to the rest of the world. Instead, they became proud and cliquey and refused to mix with the Gentiles, let alone invite them to believe in God. But God continued to work through His people to bring Messiah Jesus.
Jesus was the remnant of one who carried out the nation’s mission. He became the light to the Gentiles for the glory of Israel. Luke 19: 10 For the Son of Man came to seek and to save the lost.[6] He willingly went to the cross to pay the price for our sins. When we confess and repent of our sins, God forgives and restores us. We can be sure of this.
2 Thessalonians 3: 3 But the Lord is faithful. He will establish you and guard you against the evil one. 4 And we have confidence in the Lord about you, that you are doing and will do the things that we command. 5 May the Lord direct your hearts to the love of God and to the steadfastness of Christ. [7]
To learn more about how God preserves a faithful remnant, listen here:
https://podpoint.com/light-of-christ-church-podcast/from-heartbreak-to-hope
[1-7] The Holy Bible: English Standard Version . (2016). Crossway Bibles.