Our Bible study continues to focus on the maturity of the Remnant. Paul spoke of this Remnant:
Romans 9:
5 Even so then, at this present time there is a remnant according to the election of grace. 6 And if by grace, then it is no longer of works; otherwise grace is no longer grace. But if it is of works, it is no longer grace; otherwise work is no longer work.
7 What then? Israel has not obtained what it seeks; but the elect have obtained it, and the rest were blinded.
The Remnant is chosen by grace, not works. The rest of the people are blinded to the revelation of the Remnant. They continue to receive their consolation in other areas. Their unwillingness to take on the sufferings of Christ is one such consolation. Be warmed, be filled…
As we mentioned in our Bible study yesterday, when the tests and trials come, you should not ask Our Heavenly Father to remove you from the trial, but instead you should seek HIS Wisdom to take you through the trial to the other side. That act will mature you. Removal delays the maturing process. Jesus dealt with adversity throughout His earthly ministry. The Remnant will be subjected to the same in preparation for its full commissioning. The rest will simply walk out their lives in some state of blindness.
2 Kings 19:
30 ’And the remnant who have escaped of the house of Judah
Shall again take root downward,
And bear fruit upward.
31 For out of Jerusalem shall go a remnant,
And those who escape from Mount Zion.
The zeal of the LORD of hosts will do this.’
Zeal is defined as: great energy or enthusiasm in pursuit of a cause or an objective. Our Heavenly Father is raising a Remnant who have been “taking root downward”. Deep roots of wisdom, understanding, and knowledge are preparing those who are fully committed to establishing HIS Kingdom on this earth. HE is directing the steps of those who have ears to hear and eyes to see. Those are the ones who have removed all resistance to HIS training and preparation. They have given up their worldly citizenship in order to become citizens of the Kingdom.
Much has been said of the 15 year Hezekiah factor:
2 Kings 20:
1 In those days Hezekiah was sick and near death. And Isaiah the prophet, the son of Amoz, went to him and said to him, “Thus says the LORD: ‘Set your house in order, for you shall die, and not live.’ ”
2 Then he turned his face toward the wall, and prayed to the LORD, saying,3 “Remember now, O LORD, I pray, how I have walked before You in truth and with a loyal heart, and have done what was good in Your sight.” And Hezekiah wept bitterly.
4 And it happened, before Isaiah had gone out into the middle court, that the word of the LORD came to him, saying, 5 “Return and tell Hezekiah the leader of My people, ‘Thus says the LORD, the God of David your father: “I have heard your prayer, I have seen your tears; surely I will heal you. On the third day you shall go up to the house of the LORD.6 And I will add to your days fifteen years.
Several of us celebrated the 2000th Birthday of Jesus at Port Austin, Michigan on September 11th, 1999. It was at the time of the fall feasts. We are now 15 years later and the Remnant is being prepared. Could this year be the year of commissioning and full manifestation? If so, great! If not, we will continue the path to maturity awaiting Our Heavenly Father’s further instructions.