Then the remnant of Jacob shall be in the midst of many peoples Like dew from the Lord, like showers on the grass which delay not for a man nor wait for the children of man And the remnant of Jacob shall be among the nations, in the midst o fmany peoples, like a lion among the beasts of the forest, like a young lion among the flocks of sheep, which, when it goes through, treads down and tears in pieces, and there is none to deliver. (Micah 5:7-8 ESV)

Reading in the Old Testament, we see many references to the remnant of Israel. Time and time again, judgement is pronounced against the children of Israel, but there is an important notation made: a remnant will be preserved.

God is passionately consumed with His glory. He chose the nation of Israel for Himself, led them out of Egypt, and established their borders. When they rebelled against Him (see most of the OT prophets for details; particularly, though, Ezekiel has some nice portions on this topic), He raised up surrounding nations to invade and conquer them. But He never permitted them to be totally destroyed — he could not. If His people, whom He chose and preserved, were totally vanquished, then the nations would have reason to mock and deride His name, saying that He was not able to save His people. In several cases, prophets (especially Moses) used this argument in prayer for the preservation of the people, and in all cases, their prayers prevailed.

But how much more glory will the King of glory receive as He reveals the remnant of His people, preserved and regathered from being scattered throughout the nations. When the world sees that, no matter how hard they tried to destroy Israel, God’s hand was there and it still exists. Then when you add to that the unification of the remnant of Israel (physical) with the spiritual, adopted Israel (the Church), and it is shown how great God is to gather a people which were not His people, our King and Master will receive much glory.

Glory in the Risen Lord today, and in the salvation He has wrought, and in the position He has granted us, His children, as heirs, adopted sons of Abraham.