The Institute

December 15, 2015

A REMNANT OF CLOTH ++++++++++++++++++++++++

Ø Remnant = what’s left over from something larger

Ø When you buy a suit there are usually two pieces cut off to make the cuffs of the pants

Ø They can be used to mend a tear or cover a hole

Ø The piece of fabric is called a cloth remnant

ZAPHANIAH AND A REMNANT ++++++++++++++++++

Ø Several of the OT prophets hoped 4 a remnant of people w/i Israel

Ø The remnant would be faithful 2 G & renew Israel

Ø Zephaniah in 1^st reading hopes for such a remnant

Ø He warns people 4 failing 2 trust in G & his way

Ø Foresees there’ll B a faithful trusting remnant

CHARACTERISTIC OF THE REMNANT +++++++++++++

Ø Characteristic of the remnant is they’ll B humble

Ø They’ll recognize need 4 God & dependence on G

Ø They’ll follow G’s way as way 2 happiness and life

Ø They’ll, “Take refuge in Lord & live upright lives.”

JOHN & JESUS AS REMNANTS ++++++++++++++++++

Ø From this remnant came John the Baptist & Jesus

Ø As remnant John is humble & prepares the way for 1 greater than himself

Ø J as remnant is the unique humble servant & Son

WE AS REMNANTS +++++++++++++++++++++++++++

Ø We’re part of remnant & J calls us 2 same humble service

Ø Why in Gospel says some of sinful people R entering K/G before the religious people

Ø Some of the sinful come 2 realize their need 4 G & that gave rise 2 their being humble

Ø But some of the religious were caught up in own worthiness & lacked humility 2B part of G’s K

CONCLUSION ++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++

Ø So, Advent message is we R G’s remnant

Ø We‘re 2B humble people, realizing R need 4 G & living in humble service to 1 another

+++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++