“In the same way, then, there is also at the present time a remnant chosen by grace.” vs5

There is a remnant chosen by the grace of God. He never ordained the salvation of all Jews so even though most of Israel is perishing, God has kept His promise. The gospel has gone to the Gentiles to provoke them to jealousy, but the elect among the Israelites shall be saved. Paul is one of them, so is Peter and the early church; it will be a remnant until the end of time. God will not and cannot fail.

First, here is the point: God never planned to save every Jew [vs1-2]. “God has not rejected His people whom He foreknew.” He says, “Jacob have I loved, but Esau have I hated.” They were both circumcised, and many of the Jews perished in the wilderness. They were unfaithful in the days of Elijah and rejected the King when He came. Yet, that doesn’t stop God. His eye was always upon the elect, when He made the promise, and the rebellion of some has not meant the damnation of all. It is rare to see a Jew saved, but God is the author of the miracle, and He will prove Himself miraculous until everyone foreknown is in the kingdom.

Do not think every Jew is special: Just like the Gentiles, there is a special people among them.

Secondly, often we feel alone, like we’re the only ones [vs2-3]! “Or don’t you know what the Scripture says in the passage about Elijah--how he pleads with God against Israel? ‘Lord, they have killed Your prophets and torn down Your altars. I am the only one left, and they are trying to take my life!’” We see the evil all around us and so few are being saved, but God has His people. The evil has not conquered, and God is not in a corner, hindered from saving, and on retreat. He is still on the throne in the darkest days, ruling over all, and our hope is in Him. Elijah was GREATLY DISCOURAGED because he thought himself alone, but he is not serving an impotent God.

Let this encourage us, when it looks like no one can be saved and Baal is overpowering the kingdom. We only see a part of what God is doing. Truth shall prevail. God has everything working according to plan.

Thirdly, they will not bow to Baal [vs4]. “But what says God’s reply to him? ‘I have left 7,000 men for Myself who have not bowed down to Baal.’” When God saves, He doesn’t compromise, and neither shall we: It is the gospel of God and truth gets to the heart. He overpowers the wisdom of man and conquers the sinner [1 Cor 1:20-24]. He doesn’t lower the standard, but the elect bend the knee. He doesn’t leave them in ignorance, but He enlightens, and this truth persuades us to keep going - bold as lions in humble service.

Let us preach the gospel as clearly and as tenderly as we can. Let us never be ashamed of it. God’s people reject lies and love the truth.