1 Kings 19:18 Yet I have left me seven thousand in Israel, all the knees which have not bowed to Baal, and every mouth which has not kissed him. We learn from these words — I. THAT MEN MAY BE OFTEN DECEIVED WITH REGARD TO THE STRENGTH OF GOD'S CHURCH. Many have possessed a similar feeling to that expressed by Elijah. They have looked upon the prevalence of sin, in all ranks and conditions of life; they have looked upon the widespread indifference to religion, and that too in the midst of religious privilege and effort; and at such a sight their hearts have failed them; they have thought that the people of God were very few, and they have been tempted to think that their efforts to increase the number were yam and useless, and under such temptation many have relinquished their work. II. THAT GOD HAS A PERFECT KNOWLEDGE OF HIS OWN PEOPLE. The children of God may be unable to recognise each other, especially in times of persecution, which may restrain men from making an open avowal of their faith. And even in ordinary times there are many who may not feel called upon to make this avowal, so that their relation to God remains unknown to those around them. But God sees and knows them. III. THAT GOD CAN KEEP HIS PEOPLE AMID THE MOST WIDESPREAD SIN AND EVIL. It is not without reason that Christian people fear for themselves and for others when sin and evil abound, and when temptations are numerous and powerful. They know their own weakness, and they know, too, how many have fallen in the conflict with sin. IV. THAT MEN SHOULD BE FAITHFUL TO THEIR DUTY, AND LEAVE RESULTS WITH GOD. (T. Cain.) Parallel Verses KJV: Yet I have left me seven thousand in Israel, all the knees which have not bowed unto Baal, and every mouth which hath not kissed him. |
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