BYM ONLINE DESK Blessing Jan 2020 English Emagazine | Page 5

January 2020 | www.bymonline.org | Page 5
to strive against sin even to the extent of shedding blood (Heb
12:4). We need to subject ourselves to frequent self
examinations like the Psalmist and pray - “Search me, O God,
and know my heart! Try me and know my thoughts! (Ps
139:23).
Never be satisfied with your present level of holiness by
comparing yourselves with others. But long to be like Jesus.
(Matt 10:25, Phil 3:12-15). Even the enemies of Jesus could not
find fault with Him. He led an exemplary life style. Jesus
predicted that a majority would choose the broad way which
leads to Hell. Only a few will strive to enter through the narrow
gate (Matt 7:13,14). The remnant are known for their
uncompromising stand for holiness.
“The remnant of Israel shall do no injustice and speak
no lies, nor shall there be found in their mouth a deceitful
tongue” (Zep 3:13).
2. Standing Alone For God
Romans 9:27 - “Though the number of the sons of Israel
be as the sand of the sea, only a remnant of them will be saved.”
Out of the multitude of people only a portion will be
saved. Out of the big crowd of Israelites who left Egypt, only
Joshua and Caleb who followed the Lord whole heartedly were
permitted to inherit the promised land of Canaan (Num 14:30).
There were several men of God who stood alone for our Lord in
a godless society.
To stand for God especially among a majority of those
who live a compromising lifestyle is practically difficult. We
are normally tempted to go along with the crowd rather than to
stand for God. Pressure to violate Christian standards may be
great. We are commanded not to follow the crowd to do evil
(Exo 23:2). During the times of Noah, the wickedness of man
was great on earth and every intent of the thought of man was
only evil continually. The Lord felt sorry for creating man on
the earth and it grieved His heart (Gen 6:5,6). It is repeated
thrice that the earth was corrupt (Gen 6:11,12) and repeated
twice that it was filled with violence (Gen 6:11,13). But Noah
stood for God.
Noah would have been much ridiculed and mocked
while building the ark. But he kept on doing what God wanted
him to do and refused to listen to the world (Heb 11:7). Noah
was a remnant in his generation. He was just, blameless and
walked with God. Noah's godly life could have influenced his
wife, three sons and their families. Only Noah and his family
was saved. He not only had a godly family, he also preached
righteousness (2 Pet 2:5). When all were living in sin, he was a
solitary witness during those evil days.
If we do not maintain a good relationship with God by
spending time meditating His Word and praying to Him, we
cannot stand alone for God as Noah did. Moreover by faith he
condemned the world and became heir of the righteousness
which is according to faith (Heb 11:7).
There were several others like Elijah, Daniel and his
companions who stood for God disregarding the orders of the
king. It may cost us dearly when we stand for God. We may
have to even lay down our life. Jesus said to His disciples that
if any one desires to follow Him, he must deny himself and
take up his cross.
Mark 8:35 - “For whoever would save his life will lose it,
but whoever loses his life for my sake and the gospel's will save
it.”
3. Trusting Him At All Cost
Isaiah 10:20 - And it shall come to pass “In that day the
remnant of Israel and the survivors of the house of Jacob will
no more lean on him who struck them, but will lean on the Lord,
the Holy One of Israel, in truth” .
When the nation of Israel was invaded and made
desolate by the enemies, only a small group of remnant was
left. Devoid of an army or a king, they learnt to trust in the Lord.
Even in our lives, we should not put our trust in false things. I
want to highlight a few areas where we trust normally.
i) Mortal Man
We should not put our trust or confidence in man. It is