"His People... Chosen by Grace."

May I have the grace to pray and meditate faithfully.  May I touch the firm foundation and know that I am not alone.  May my actions, thoughts, and words be just, loving, and humble.


Romans 11:1-6
11I ask, then, has God rejected his people? By no means! I myself am an Israelite, a descendant of Abraham, a member of the tribe of Benjamin. ²God has not rejected his people whom he foreknew. Do you not know what the scripture says of Elijah, how he pleads with God against Israel? ³‘Lord, they have killed your prophets, they have demolished your altars; I alone am left, and they are seeking my life.’ ⁴But what is the divine reply to him? ‘I have kept 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. ⁶But if it is by grace, it is no longer on the basis of works, otherwise grace would no longer be grace.^*


1) "By no means;" "...God has not rejected his people;" "...there is a remnant;" "...chosen by grace;" "...by grace;" "...otherwise grace would no longer be grace;"


2) Is Paul trying to have his cake and eat it too?  It seems like such a fine line.  "It is no longer on the basis of works,"  but "there is a remnant."  He, of course, is a member of the remnant.  How can he make such a claim without throwing humility aside?  He trusts that he is a member of the remnant?  He trusts that it doesn't matter if he is a member of the remnant or not, he is doin what he has been called to do?  That sounds more in keeping with Elijah.  Things never went well for Elijah, even though Elijah, we are told, always did as he was told.  "Rewards" mentality is troubling.  Am I doing it because it is the right thing to do, or do I do it because I expect some kind of reward or advantage?  the latter takes me into works righteousness.  How do we let go of our desire for a particular outcome, especially a particular outcome for ourselves?  Remnant theology is more than a little harsh.  I seem to recall reflecting earlier, is a "remnant" enough to be considered graceful?  Who gets on the ark?  Who gets left behind?  I don't want to be choosing.


3) What is the invitation in all this?  To trust grace to be grace.


"Holy One, by your grace."


Breathprayer: "His people... chosen by grace."