Protected by the power of God through faith.

Rom. 11:4 But what is the divine response to him? “I have kept for Myself seven thousand men who have not bowed the knee to Baal.” I doubt if many believers in the west have ever felt as if they were the only ones left who were devoted to Jesus. However, it may be possible that many of our brothers and sisters in countries where believers are killed or imprisoned could relate to Elijah. In Elijah’s day, it appeared to the prophet that the nation of Israel had rejected God and His prophets, thus Elijah concluded God had rejected the nation and he alone was left. When Elijah thought he was alone and that God had rejected Israel, God told Elijah that He had kept 7000 men for Himself. This was Paul’s answer to the question had God rejected Israel, God had kept for Himself 7000 men from national Israel who had not bowed the knee to the gods of the culture. The number 7 signifies belonging to God or perfection and the number 10 or any multiple thereof signifies the power of God. These men who have not bowed the knee to the idolatries of their culture have been chosen of God and protected by the power of God. This verse should be encouraging to all of us who have not bowed the knee to the gods of the culture in which we live. The glory belongs to God because He has chosen to save and protect us by the faith He has given us. In 1 Pet. 1:5, Peter echoed Paul’s point here in Rom. 11:4. Speaking of the chosen, Peter said they are “protected by the power of God through faith for a salvation ready to be revealed in the last time.” We live to love with Jesus by faith. That’s how faith works. It keeps us from misplacing our worship and committing spiritual adultery and idolatry. Elijah’s heart as well as the other 7000 was turned to God. When the purpose of our lives is to love with Jesus, it changes everything. That purpose keeps us humble and submitted to Christ, abiding in Him, and useful for bearing fruit for God’s glory. I hope you can thank God with me for His powerful, preserving, grace. “Father, thank You for protecting us from the corruption that is in this world through lust by giving us a heart to believe in Your Son, by giving us faith by the power of the Holy Spirit whom You given to us, and by giving us grace to love You and others in Your name for Your glory. May we be faithful today to walk in the grace and faith You have given us. Amen. Acknowledgment: Music from “Carried by the Father” by Eric Terlizzi. www.ericterlizzi.com