The Remnant Chosen by Grace
Rev. (Rtd.) Osei Kwabena Nkrahene | Wednesday, October 14, 2026 | Romans 11:2–6
KEY VERSE: “So too at the present time there is a remnant, chosen by grace.” — Romans 11:5 (ESV)
MESSAGE:
Paul has already answered the question, “Has God rejected His people?” by pointing to his own life. He was an Israelite, and his salvation was evidence that God had not abandoned His people. Now he strengthens that answer by looking back into Israel’s history. Elijah had become deeply discouraged by Israel’s apostasy and believed that he alone remained faithful (1 Kings 19:10). God corrected his conclusion by revealing that He had preserved seven thousand in Israel who had not bowed to Baal (1 Kings 19:18). Paul draws directly on this account in Romans 11:2–5 to show that God had not abandoned His people.
He then brings that historical example into his own time: “So too at the present time there is a remnant, chosen by grace.” This is the heart of the passage. Israel’s unbelief did not mean that God had abandoned His people. Even in a season marked by resistance and spiritual decline, God was still preserving a people for Himself. Paul also makes clear that this remnant exists by grace. Its preservation does not rest on human merit or achievement. Verse 6 sharpens the point: if it is by grace, then it is no longer on the basis of works. God’s gracious action remains central.
Today’s passage speaks strongly to moments when visible conditions tempt us to lose heart. There are times when the church may appear weaker than before. Some congregations that once held several services may now struggle to fill one. Attendance may fall. Commitment may weaken. These realities should concern us and move us to prayer, faithful witness, discipleship and renewed obedience.
Yet these realities should not lead us to conclude that Christ has abandoned His Church. We may not always see the full extent of what God is doing, but His faithfulness gives us reason to remain prayerful, faithful and hopeful. Christ has promised to build His Church, so we keep serving, witnessing and trusting Him even when visible signs are discouraging.
FEET AND HANDS FOR THE MESSAGE:
Look honestly at the spiritual condition around you without surrendering to discouragement. Pray for renewal in your church. Strengthen what remains. Serve faithfully where God has placed you, and trust that His grace can preserve, restore, and raise up a people for His purpose.
PRAYER:
Lord Jesus Christ, revive Your Church as You have done in times past. Preserve Your people by grace, strengthen what is weak, awaken what has grown cold, and help us remain faithful in prayer, witness, and service. Amen.
THERE SHALL BE SHOWERS OF BLESSING.
SHOWERS! BLESSINGS!!
The 365 DAILY BIBLE READING
Day 287 Micah 1–4 — God Calls His People Back to Justice, Faithfulness, and Hope.
DAILY word study: REMNANT The Greek word translated “remnant” is leimma (λεῖμμα), pronounced LAYM-mah. It refers to what remains after others have fallen away.
In Romans 11:5, Paul says that “at the present time there is a remnant, chosen by grace.” The remnant is therefore not merely what happened to survive. Paul traces its existence to God’s gracious choosing.
What Elijah could not see, God had preserved. The remnant reminds us that the visible condition of God’s people does not always reveal the full extent of His work.
Reflect on This: When visible signs discourage you, can you still trust that God is at work beyond what you can see?
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