4And what was God’s answer to him? "I have reserved for myself seven thousand who have not bowed the knee to Baal."
5So too, at the present time there is a remnant chosen by grace.
- P138
6And if by grace, then it cannot be based on works; if it were, grace would no longer be grace.
7What then? What the people of Israel sought so earnestly they did not obtain. The elect among them did, but the others were hardened,
8as it is written: "God gave them a spirit of stupor, eyes that could not see and ears that could not hear, to this very day."
- P139
9And David says: "May their table become a snare and a trap, a stumbling block and a retribution for them.
10May their eyes be darkened so they cannot see, and their backs be bent forever."
- P139
Paul says God has not rejected His people. Paul uses his own example andGod‘s word to Elijah to show that God has chosen a faithful remnant by grace.
If we were chosen by works, grace would no longer be grace. Paul quotesDavid and Isaiah to show the future of those who are hardened. - P139
Paul shows that God has clearly not rejected His people because Paul him-self is an Israelite who is descended from Abraham. Paul also uses the exam-ple of Elijah to show God‘s faithfulness. In a time when Israel was steepedin rebellion and idolatry, Elijah felt that he was the only one who remainedfaithful to God. However, Elijah did not realize that God had saved a rem-nant. Some of the people of Israel earnestly sought to understand Godthrough the Law, but they could not hear or understand Him. Others, likePaul, received the grace of knowing and understanding Christ. - P140
When weare discouraged like Elijah, may we remember God‘s faithfulness and thetestimony of Paul. We can find hope in knowing that God is at work andthat He is faithfully extending His grace. - P140
Dear Jesus, thank you for Your amazing grace, which helps us to stand heretoday. Help us receive Your grace every day so that we may persevere in ourjourney of faith no matter what. In Your name, amen. - P141
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