(Rom 8:31) What then shall we say to these things? If God is for us, who can be against us?
In the history of our country we have always struggled with equal rights for all. Our constitution guarantees it, but it has taken time to realize it. Minority groups have had to bear up under discrimination. They’ve had to work hard to get ahead and to provide a quality life for themselves. But the struggle for many has paid off in terms of reaping the rewards of perseverance and fortitude.
Elijah felt all alone. He thought he was the only one who was serving God in his day. Political leaders were godless. The people had turned from God to the worship of idols. Elijah stood upright in a fallen world. But now he was tired of the fight and wanted God to take his life. He was weary of feeling like he was the only one and just wanted to check out. But the Lord dealt with his despairing servant and got things back into perspective for him. And the last thing God said to him was, "Yet I have reserved seven thousand in Israel, all whose knees have not bowed to Baal, and every mouth that has not kissed him." (1 Kings 19:18) He needed to know he wasn’t the only one being faithful. Others were in the right and in the fight.
There are lots of times when we’re going to feel alone in this life. Our world does not share our values, so we feel like an oddball. We don’t fit in. We’re not cool. But Jesus said this would be the case: (John 15:19) "If you were of the world, the world would love its own. Yet because you are not of the world, but I chose you out of the world, therefore the world hates you.
Jesus died alone. Most of the apostles were martyred. And we modern-day believers who truly want to walk with Christ will not be many: (1 Cor 1:26-27) For you see your calling, brethren, that not many wise according to the flesh, not many mighty, not many noble, are called. 27 But God has chosen the foolish things of the world to put to shame the wise, and God has chosen the weak things of the world to put to shame the things which are mighty. But that’s okay because we can still change the world from our minority status: (Acts 17:6) . . . "These who have turned the world upside down have come here too.
I believe we are living in the last days. Sin will be on the increase and will act like a wet blanket for those who are on fire for God. (Mat 24:12) "And because lawlessness will abound, the love of many will grow cold. As a minority we will have to stay together so we can burn the brighter. (Rom 12:11) not lagging in diligence, fervent in spirit, serving the Lord. We’ll have to work hard like minorities do to see progress. (1 Cor 15:58) Therefore, my beloved brethren, be steadfast, immovable, always abounding in the work of the Lord, knowing that your labor is not in vain in the Lord.
God plus one is a majority. Let’s strive for souls and let God add to our numbers. (Pro 11:30; Acts 2:47) And remember in heaven everyone will love and serve Jesus. Now that’s a majority!
Louie