Romans 11:1-3, Hold The Fort

Romans 11:1-3 I say then, Hath God cast away his people? God forbid. For I also am an Israelite, of the seed of Abraham, of the tribe of Benjamin. 2 God hath not cast away his people which he foreknew. Wot ye not what the scripture saith of Elias? how he maketh intercession to God against Israel, saying, 3 Lord, they have killed thy prophets, and digged down thine altars; and I am left alone, and they seek my life. 4 But what saith the answer of God unto him? I have reserved to myself seven thousand men, who have not bowed the knee to the image of Baal.

The Apostle Paul gives these words of encouragement to quell the despair of all who think that there is no longer any hope for Israel to be strong again serving her God. The Apostle Paul presents the despairing sentiment by quoting Elijah, the discouraged prophet, who thought he was the only soldier for the Lord still alive in Israel during the time of the divided kingdom when Ahab was king in Israel.

Elijah said to the Lord, “see how ruthless the enemies are, they have killed your prophets and destroyed the places for Your worship in Israel.” The Lord assured Elijah that He has reserved for Himself seven thousand men who have not capitulated to idolatry. All is not lost. The battle is not lost; there are strong reinforcements on the way. The table will be turned. It is too early for Israel to be written off.

Today, there seemed to be an overwhelming tide for contemporary style worship modelled after the entertainments of the world. The singing of hymns and the use of the King James Bible seemed to be so old-fashioned as the prophet Jeremiah observed in Jeremiah 6:16 Thus saith the LORD, Stand ye in the ways, and see, and ask for the old paths, where is the good way, and walk therein, and ye shall find rest for your souls. But they said We will not walk therein.

The King James Bible is the purest in the English language as opposed to watered-down modern versions. The good old hymns remain the mainstay for sanctifying worship that is God honouring and Christ exalting. May God’s people be encouraged to know that there are still many who loved the use of the KJV and the good old hymns. Amen.