# 430 Always A Remnant

The Book of Genesis

Day 430

Ge 46:26 All the persons who went with Jacob to Egypt, who came from his body, besides Jacob's sons' wives, were sixty-six persons in all.  27 And the sons of Joseph who were born to him in Egypt were two persons. All the persons of the house of Jacob who went to Egypt were seventy.

The genealogy having been presented, we come up with a total of 70 people. This same number is used in Ex 1:5, and in Dt 10:22. However, in Acts 7:14, Stephen uses the number 75. What gives? Is the Bible inconsistent? Untrustworthy?  Not at all! Stephen likely has included the 5 sons of Manasseh and Ephraim mentioned in Num 26:28-37.

But it’s really not about the exact number, it’s more about the fact that there is a remnant. A remnant could be defined  as a nucleus of peoples and nations involved in God’s plan of salvation. God would take this small number of people and build from them a great nation.  They would face tremendous persecution along the way, but God’s Old Testament church would prevail!

I find it interesting that Stephen would mention that specific number in the sermon he gave shortly before he was stoned to death. I believe the reason he mentioned it again was to connect the fledgling church of his day with the fledgling church of Jacob’s.  God’s plan of salvation would advance no matter what kind of persecution or other obstacles would come its way!

We can take heart from this example. We never have to worry as Elijah did. Remember? He thought he was the only one left in Israel who had not bowed his knee to Baal. But God showed him that He had reserved a remnant of 7000.

I have been blessed by God and given numerous opportunities to worship in all sorts of church settings and denominations, and I am pleased to report that in every church I have ever visited or preached in, God has shown me a remnant.

There are people in every congregation who do not simple go through the motions. There are people in every church who are not relying on their own goodness and works to get to heaven. There are people who appreciated ritual but appreciate their relationship with Jesus even more. There are people who are simply sold out to Jesus, sold out to the bedrock confession that Jesus is the Christ the Son of the Living God!  It is upon this confession that Jesus said HE will build His church and the gates of hell will not prevail against it!

Are you in the remnant? Take heart!  God is with you, you will prevail.

But for those who are still playing games with their relationship with Jesus, listen to what Jesus said in Joh 8:24 "Therefore I said to you that you will die in your sins; for if you do not believe that I am He, you will die in your sins."

Strong words, but you better believe them. Believe that Jesus is the sent One from the Father, the Messiah, and surrender to Him as your Savior and Lord today. Repent of your ways and receive His free gift of forgiveness. Join the remnant, lest you perish in your sins!