Read: Romans 9:25-29; Exodus 2:1-10
Though the number of the sons of Israel be as the sand of the sea, only a remnant of them will be saved. (Rom. 9:27)
A famous gospel preacher humorously explained the growth of his congregation. “I came and I preached them down to size. Some left. I preached them down to size. More left. Until there were only a few, and then the church began to grow.”
In a more serious tone, Paul told a similar story that is rooted in the Old Testament word remnant. The Old Testament prophets particularly used this spiritual imagery. Paul continues his examination of Israel’s story by drawing on the prophets’ warnings of judgment. In today’s key verse, Paul explained that Israel was a multitude, but in the exile many were lost. The Jewish followers of Jesus in the Roman house churches had become smaller in number and size than the Gentile house churches. The Gentile reception of the gospel produced a spiritual crisis for Jewish believers: “Has God been unfaithful to Israel?” No, God had been preaching Israel down to size—a remnant—so that the Gentiles could come to faith and the nations be saved. This has been God’s pattern in salvation history.
I think of the child Moses who was put in a basket made of reeds and set in the Nile (Exod. 2:1-10). Sometimes the promises of God depend on one tiny reed. No matter what the size of our congregation, God can build the kingdom.
As you pray, ask God to use your faith community no matter their size.
Kent Fry is a retired pastor and visiting research fellow at the Van Raalte Institute in Holland, Michigan. He and his wife, Joyce, are active members of Second Reformed Church in Zeeland, Michigan. Kent is an active cyclist, and he and Joyce enjoy time with their children and grandchildren.
