The remnant is a smattering of ragtag survivors, who survived the hypocrisy as well the growing blanket of apostasy that is choking out the word in so many of our brothers and sisters in all the churches around the globe. This is real war. There is a real enemy, a spiritual enemy. There is real work for us to do, in joining Jesus in undoing the works the devil has done.
Jesus came preaching solely in the context of the last days. "Occupy, until I come" is a military directive, a directive of the kingdom, to gain and keep the ground we are taking back from the enemy. That's right, we are to be on the offensive here. There isn't much time. We have to get working, we have to get on with it.
Romans 11.2-6
Do you remember that time Elijah was agonizing over this same Israel and cried out in prayer? God, they murdered your prophets, They trashed your altars; I'm the only one left and now they're after me!4 And do you remember God's answer? I still have seven thousand who haven't quit, Seven thousand who are loyal to the finish. It's the same today. There's a fiercely loyal minority still-not many, perhaps, but probably more than you think. They're holding on, not because of what they think they're going to get out of it, but because they're convinced of God's grace and purpose in choosing them. If they were only thinking of their own immediate self-interest, they would have left long ago.
With great glory comes great betrayal. This is the equation of our time.
Jesus had to deal with betrayal, at the hour of His glory. It's a recurring pattern, this is how the devil attacks. All in the hopes that our hearts will be ripped out and the wind sucked out of our sails, right at the moment when we need strength and resolve the most, right at the moment of God doign glorious things.
We cannot take it personally. Jesus is our example. "Father, forgive them, for they know not what they do."
And so the fight goes on, and that betrayal serves as a marker-- a marker of progress, of the Word being exalted, of Truth advancing.
John 3.19-21
"This is the crisis we're in: God-light streamed into the world, but men and women everywhere ran for the darkness. They went for the darkness because they were not really interested in pleasing God.Everyone who makes a practice of doing evil, addicted to denial and illusion, hates God-light and won't come near it, fearing a painful exposure.But anyone working and living in truth and reality welcomes God-light so the work can be seen for the God-work it is."
Hallelujah, people! Occupy, and guard your heart like never before. What an honor to be a part of this work.
