Bible, Isaiah, Remnant, Romans, Salvation, Scripture

THE REMNANT

ROMANS 9:27

“Isaiah cries out concerning Israel, ‘THOUGH THE NUMBER OF THE SONS OF ISRAEL MAY BE LIKE THE SAND OF THE SEA, ONLY  THE REMNANT WILL BE SAVED;’”

A remnant is defined as a small remaining quantity of something. If you are a seamstress, you may go to the fabric shop and buy some remnants of cloth that are left over from a bolt of cloth. Usually, these are smaller pieces that are not enough for a large project but are still useable. Question: Are leftovers considered remnants? Inquiring minds want to know.

Paul begins quoting from the prophet Isaiah in today’s verse and will continue doing so for the next two verses. Paul references Isaiah 10:22 in today’s verse, showing that only a small remnant of those Jews taken into captivity would be saved by God and returned to their homeland. Why is that important? Because they meant the larger percentage would not be saved. Compare the descriptions – “like the sand of the sea” and “only the remnant.” Two very different sizes.

APPLICATION

In 2 Kings 19:31 we read, “For out of Jerusalem will go a remnant, and survivors out of Mount Zion. The zeal of the LORD will perform this.” Is the Lord still rescuing the remnant today? Think about it. Billions of people are alive today on earth, but only a remnant will inherit His kingdom. That is truly a remnant, isn’t it? Take for example the population of Iran, who is at war with the U.S. and others right now. Out of approximately 92 million people there are about 400,000 Christians. Estimates range from just over 117,000 to 1 million. Still, that is just a remnant.

What is our role as part of that remnant of believers today? We are to spread the Gospel to as many as we can with the desire to see that remnant number increase. Isn’t this God’s Will? Just read 1 Timothy 2:3-6. “3 This is good and acceptable in the sight of God our Savior, 4 who wants all people to be saved and to come to the knowledge of the truth. 5 For there is one God, and one mediator also between God and mankind, the man Christ Jesus, 6 who gave Himself as a ransom for all, the testimony given at the proper time.”

Did you catch verse 6? Christ was given “as a ransom for all.” Not just the remnant. The sad truth, though, is that only a remnant of the entire population will accept Jesus as Lord and Savior. Will you be diligent as long as you have breath to tell the world about Jesus? Let’s expand that remnant. There is room at the cross for all who believe.

I am thankful, Lord, that I am part of Your remnant having accepted Jesus as my Lord and Savior.

If the Lord should lead you to support our ministry, check out our ministry page at Trans World Radio (www.twr.org/carl-willis). 

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Bible, Hosea, Living, Restoration, Romans, Salvation, Scripture, Witnessing

CHILDREN OF THE LIVING GOD

ROMANS 9:26

“‘AND IT SHALL BE THAT IN THE PLACE WHERE IT WAS SAID TO THEM, “YOU ARE NOT MY PEOPLE,” THERE THEY SHALL BE CALLED SONS OF THE LIVING GOD.’”

When my mom and dad were alive, my relationship with them was very different than it is now. My mom has been with Jesus for over 15 years now and my dad just over 10. Hard to believe. I am still their son, but they are my late parents. They are no longer alive in this world. Our view of being alive differs greatly from God’s view. Let’s see what Paul says today about this.

Paul quotes again from Hosea 1:10. You have to remember that Israel’s great sin was forfeiting their worship of the living God for dead idols. They forsook their birthright as His children and pursued other gods who did not exist and had no power. They had witnessed firsthand His mighty acts on behalf of their nation, but that did not matter. The term “the grass is always greener on the other side of the fence” fits them perfectly. Why did Paul quote from Hosea here?

APPLICATION

Because just as God restored a fallen Israel, He has restored a fallen mankind through His Son Jesus. We just have to turn to Him, believe in Him and follow. Then we too have that relationship as children of the Living God. John 1:12 tells us, “But as many as received Him, to them He gave the right to become children of God, to those who believe in His name,…” It really is that simple. Why can’t we believe that?

When Paul and Barnabas said these words to the people in Lystra, they were urging them to turn to the living God. “‘Men, why are you doing these things? We also are men with the same nature as you, and preach to you that you should turn from these useless things to the living God, who made the heaven, the earth, the sea, and all things that are in them,’” (Acts 14:15) Aren’t we doing the same today? Aren’t we urging those chasing manmade idols like money, power and success to do the same? They need the living God!

Psalm 42:2 cries out with the same desire. “My soul thirsts for God, for the living God; When shall I come and appear before God?” Psalm 84:2 speaks the same. “My soul longed and even yearned for the courtyards of the LORD; My heart and my flesh sing for joy to the living God.” Is this your desire? Do you long to be in the presence of the living God? Well, you can. Every day! Just lean into Him. He is there, waiting for you. He was and is and will always be!

I am so thankful I serve a living God Who reigns eternally.

If the Lord should lead you to support our ministry, check out our ministry page at Trans World Radio (www.twr.org/carl-willis). 

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Bible, Faithfulness, Hosea, Love, Redemption, Romans, Scripture

REDEEMING LOVE

ROMANS 9:25

“as He also says in Hosea: ‘I WILL CALL THOSE WHO WERE NOT MY PEOPLE, “MY PEOPLE,” AND HER WHO WAS NOT BELOVED, “BELOVED.”’”

In the book of Hosea, we have a beautiful picture of God’s redeeming love for a nation. He used the prophet Hosea to show how Israel had treated Him and how He in turn would restore her. In fact, there was a movie made a few years ago called, “Redeeming Love.” If you haven’t seen it, I encourage you to take the time. It’s a modern day portrayal of this story that paints a clear picture of God’s love for Israel.

Paul quotes from Hosea in today’s verse. In fact, Hosea 2:23 reads in full, “‘I will sow her for Myself in the land. I will also have compassion on her who had not obtained compassion, and I will say to those who were not My people, “You are My people!” And they will say, “You are my God!”’” Earlier in Hosea 1, Gomer (Hosea’s wife) had given birth to three children, which were named Jezreel, Lo-ruhamah (no mercy) and Lo-ammi (not my people). God changes the names of the last two to Ruhammah (mercy) and Ammi (My people) and sends Hosea to redeem Gomer back to himself.

APPLICATION

What’s the point of Paul’s words today and the reference to Hosea? God takes the outcasts and makes covenant with them. In our case, He cut covenant with us through His Son, Jesus Christ. We were no better than the adulterous prostitute Gomer before Christ. We did not deserve His sacrifice. We did not merit redemption. But He chose us before the foundation of the earth to be His.

Have you stopped lately to consider what God gave up for us? John 3:16 says, “For God so loved the world that He gave His only Son…” Romans 5:8 tells us, “God demonstrated His love for us, in that while we were still sinners, Christ died for us.” Do I need to go on? Do you need more reminding of the depths of His love for you? He loves you with an everlasting love. And He has redeemed you from an everlasting damnation.

What did Hosea expect from Gomer in return for her redemption? Her love and faithfulness. Isn’t that all God expects from us? John says, “We love, because He first loved us.” (1 John 4:19). Paul said earlier in Romans 1:17, “The righteous shall live by faith.” Can you love Him? Can you be faithful to Him? That’s all He requires, but it will cost you everything. All you have belongs to Him. And in return, He makes you joint-heirs of His kingdom alongside His Son. Praise be to God!

Thank You, Lord, for redeeming me from the depths of despair and setting me on a firm foundation.

If the Lord should lead you to support our ministry, check out our ministry page at Trans World Radio (www.twr.org/carl-willis). 

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Bible, Family, Jesus, Romans, Salvation, Scripture

A NEW FAMILY LINE

ROMANS 9:24

“namely us, whom He also called, not only from among Jews, but also from among Gentiles,”

When I look at my grandchildren, I am amazed how the Lord takes different family trees and combines them. For instance, my wife comes from the Barker tree, and I come from the Willis tree. My children have both trees within them. Then when they had their own children they come from the Willis tree, Barker tree and the trees of their spouse’s family. Now, we are getting more like a bush, right? Lol.

God has expanded His family to include all mankind, not just the Jewish nation. Barnes says it well. He says, “Christians, selected from both Jews and Gentiles. This proves that he did not refer to nations primarily, but to individuals chosen out of nations. Two things are established here.

(1) that the grace of God was not confined to the Jewish people, as they supposed, so that it could be conferred on no others.

(2) that God was not bound to confer grace on all the descendants of Abraham, as he bestowed it on those selected from the mass, according to his own will, and not of necessity ‘on the mass’ itself.”

APPLICATION

Paul goes into more detail about this in Romans 11. Look at what he writes in 11:17-18. “17 But if some of the branches were broken off, and you, being a wild olive, were grafted in among them and became partaker with them of the rich root of the olive tree, 18 do not be arrogant toward the branches; but if you are arrogant, remember that it is not you who supports the root, but the root supports you.” God didn’t disregard the Jewish nation. They are still His chosen people, but we have been “grafted” into that tree.

I am sure that God has His plan for the Jewish nation to this day. How He does that is beyond my knowledge, but I believe He will redeem His people one day when they bow to their Messiah, Jesus Christ. Until that day, we must continue to hold fast to that tree in which we have been grafted. We must pray for the peace of Israel. I am not getting political. I’m just stating what His Word says.

God’s family was designed to include all who call on His name. That includes all nations. Some people believe that America has been blessed because it was founded on Christian principles. Sadly, we see our country drifting further from that truth. Our responsibility as followers of Jesus is to proclaim His Gospel to all. The Great Commission (Matthew 28:18-20) tells us to go to all nations. Are you doing that? I don’t mean are you traveling all over the world. But are you reaching across the street? Are you telling the Good News? Let’s invite everyone we meet to get in this family tree. There’s one way – Jesus. He will graft them in.

Father, I am thankful that You grafted me into Your family tree.

If the Lord should lead you to support our ministry, check out our ministry page at Trans World Radio (www.twr.org/carl-willis). 

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Bible, Glory, Mercy, Revelation, Romans, Scripture

TO MAKE KNOWN

ROMANS 9:23

“And He did so to make known the riches of His glory upon objects of mercy, which He prepared beforehand for glory,”

In my role as Global Ministry Shepherd, I converse with our ministry leaders around the world by Zoom, WhatsApp or Google Meet all the time. I have had to learn how to communicate clearly to these men considering our language and cultural barriers. It doesn’t do any good to talk if I am unable to clearly make known what we are talking about. As I get to know these men, it becomes easier and easier to communicate.

Paul uses a phrase here, “to make known,” that is important. He actually says that God wants to make known, “the riches of His glory.” Paul uses that same phrase in Ephesians 1:18 which reads, “I pray that the eyes of your heart may be enlightened, so that you will know what is the hope of His calling, what are the riches of the glory of His inheritance in the saints,” I love how Gill’s Exposition describes this. “And that he might make known the riches of his glory,…. That is, his glorious riches, the perfections of his nature, his love, grace, and mercy, his wisdom, power, faithfulness, justice, and holiness; all which are most evidently displayed in the salvation of his people, here calledmvessels of mercy, which he hath afore prepared unto glory.” Isn’t that beautiful?

APPLICATION

The Greek word for “to make known” is gnórizó which “consistently describes an intentional act of communication that moves truth from hiddenness into clarity. Whether the subject is God, the incarnate Son, or the apostolic witness, the term always assumes both the reality of objective divine truth and the responsibility to communicate it faithfully.” (Topical Lexicon) God isn’t trying to keep this stuff secret. He wants to reveal His glory to us.

Deuteronomy 29:29 is a great verse about God’s revealing things to us. “The secret things belong to the LORD our God, but the things revealed belong to us and to our sons forever, so that we may follow all the words of this Law.” God’s purpose for making known these things to us is so that we can be obedient. How cool is that?

It’s kind of like me making known things to our ministry leaders in other countries. We want to help them follow the training tools we are giving them, so we “reveal” these to them. Then they can use them (obey the guidelines) to train others. There is no greater honor than for us to make known God’s mercy to others. Spread that knowledge to whomever you can. We all need to know that. Amen?

Father, I am forever grateful that You reveal Your glory to us and shower us with mercy and grace.

If the Lord should lead you to support our ministry, check out our ministry page at Trans World Radio (www.twr.org/carl-willis). 

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Bible, Longsuffering, Patience, Power, Romans, Salvation, Scripture, Wrath

LONGSUFFERING OF GOD

ROMANS 9:22

“What if God, although willing to demonstrate His wrath and to make His power known, endured with great patience objects of wrath prepared for destruction?”

I have had to put up with some things before in my life, particularly some other people. I recall one such individual with whom I worked. Every morning this individual did the same thing without consideration for the rest of us in the office. They were a little self-centered and intent on taking care of numero uno. We all tolerated them, even the boss, who could have fired them. Why he didn’t, I’ll never understand. He was much more longsuffering than me.

But my o my, isn’t our God longsuffering? The actual Greek word translated as “patience” in our verse today is makrothymia The Topical Lexicon says it “describes a God-centered restraint that endures provocation without surrendering to resentment or retaliation. Rather than mere passivity, it is a purposeful waiting that preserves righteousness and seeks the good of others.” That’s our God. That’s why makrothymia is one of the fruits of the Spirit. He knew we were going to need that.

APPLICATION 

In reference to this verse, Albert Barnes writes, “He suffered them to live while they deserved to die. God bears with all sinners with much patience; he spares them amid all their provocations, to give them opportunity of repentance; and though they are suited for destruction, yet he prolongs their lives, and offers them pardon, and loads them with benefits.” God is a just God, and just because He doesn’t zap these “objects of wrath” right away, that should never be interpreted as Him condoning their behaviors.

When I pray for my grandchildren each day, I always pray for their future spouses and families. I also always add “if the Lord tarries His coming.” I know the Lord will return one day. Right now, He is tarrying, waiting on the Father’s command. That doesn’t lessen my desire for His return. Longsuffering and patience are attributes of our Father which we need to learn to imitate in our own lives.

Is there someone in your life whom you need to be a little more longsuffering with? I don’t mean you need to be treated like a doormat or that you have to put up with behaviors that affect you personally. But our longsuffering toward someone may be just the thing that draws them to the love our Master. When they ask you why you put up with them, you can tell them it’s because of Jesus. Let Jesus do the talking for you. Be like Him.

Lord, I know all I deserve myself is hell, yet You showed Your longsuffering toward me which resulted in my day of salvation. I praise You for that.

If the Lord should lead you to support our ministry, check out our ministry page at Trans World Radio (www.twr.org/carl-willis). 

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Bible, Common, Creation, Creator, Honorablre, Pottery, Romans, Scripture, Service

HOW ARE YOU BEING USED?

ROMANS 9:21

“Or does the potter not have a right over the clay, to make from the same lump one object for honorable use, and another for common use?”

When I was a little boy, I spent a good bit of time at my Grandma Carter’s house out in the country. Now, her house did have running water and a toilet, but it was a simple, farmhouse built for utility not luxury. I noticed this white pot with a lid in one of the bedrooms once and asked my grandma why she had a cooking pot by the bed. She laughed and said that wasn’t for cooking. Puzzled I asked what it was used for. She told me her mama used to use that for a toilet so she wouldn’t have to walk to the outhouse at night. It was a very desired item in homes back then.

Some scholars think Paul is referring to a chamber pot like my grandma’s when he says, “another for common use.” The value of the pot was determined by its use. Some were used for worship, like the ones described for use in the tabernacle or temple. But all pieces of pottery or every pot has its use. Sometimes those most common use items are the most valuable because they are used the most, like that favorite pot you may have in your house. Paul’s point is both are made by the potter, and their use is at His discretion.

APPLICATION

In Jeremiah 18:3-6 we have a great image of this. “3 Then I went down to the potter’s house, and there he was, making something on the wheel. 4 But the vessel that he was making of clay was spoiled in the hand of the potter; so he remade it into another vessel, as it pleased the potter to make. 5 Then the word of the LORD came to me saying, 6 ‘Can I not, O house of Israel, deal with you as this potter does?’ declares the LORD. ‘Behold, like the clay in the potter’s hand, so are you in My hand, O house of Israel.’” We are only clay in the Potter’s hand.

Paul uses this imagery again in 2 Timothy 2:20. “Now in a large house there are not only gold and silver implements, but also implements of wood and of earthenware, and some are for honor while others are for dishonor.” God will shape us and use us according to His pleasure. That’s not a put down. It’s according to His perfect will. The question is whether we will submit to His use of us.

I have to admit that I have at times resisted His choice for me. I had other plans. I saw myself in another role or position in ministry by a certain point in my life. I had my career path mapped out. But then God stepped in. What I have found in my over 46 years of ministry is when I yield to the Master Artist’s touch in my life, I am much more fulfilled, no matter what He has chosen for me to do. Will you do that today? Will you yield to His touch on your life?

Thank You, Lord, for choosing me for the role You intended. That role has changed through the years, but You have been the consistent one.

If the Lord should lead you to support our ministry, check out our ministry page at Trans World Radio (www.twr.org/carl-willis). 

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Bible, Scripture, Arguing, Romans, Yielding, Creator, Molded

DON’T TALK BACK

ROMANS 9:20

“On the contrary, who are you, you foolish person, who answers back to God? The thing molded will not say to the molder, ‘Why did you make me like this,’ will it?”

One thing my dad and mom would not tolerate is one of their children talking back to them. They would put a stop to that very quickly. That’s not to say we didn’t mutter some things under our breath, lol. We could not understand some of their rules. We thought we knew better, which we didn’t. My folks have been gone for a while now, but I wish I could reach out for some advice just about every day. They knew what they were doing raising four kids.

Don’t you just love Paul’s example in today’s verse? But wait, is he calling me a lump of clay? I don’t think so. He is pointing out once again that God is in charge, not us. Just as a lump of clay is formed by the artist into something useable and beautiful, God is molding us into something He sees as beautiful. We simply have to yield to the Master’s hands. Sometimes that lump of clay doesn’t conform as the artist wants. So, what do they do? They smush it back down on the table and begin the process again. Boy, I’ve been there. Have you?

APPLICATION

Paul is quoting from Isaiah 45:9 which says, “‘Woe to the one who quarrels with his Maker— A piece of pottery among the other earthenware pottery pieces! Will the clay say to the potter, “What are you doing?” Or the thing you are making say, “He has no hands”’?” The whole picture of this is ridiculous. When does pottery talk? Oh yeah, in that Beauty and the Beast movie! Lol. Seriously, pottery has no rights of its own. The maker determines the size and use of the vessel. Hmmm, doesn’t God have the same authority over us? We do not have the right to argue how God uses us.

Paul calls a spade a spade here. He says, “Who are we to argue with God?” The word “foolish” is not in the Greek text, but it is sure implied. “Answers back” is antapokrinomai which is only used here and in Luke 14:6 where it refers to the Pharisees who after seeing Jesus heal a man on the Sabbath. It says, “And they could offer no reply to this.” At least these Pharisees saw the futility of trying to argue with Jesus. Have you?

Ouch, Carl! That smarted a bit. Sorry about that. We are all guilty of doing that from time to time. We have a better plan than God, and we tell Him so. We don’t like the way He answered a certain prayer, and we tell Him so. We need to stop “telling Him so” and do more listening. Allow the Lord to change your heart. Trust His sovereignty over your life. Whatever He is making you into will be a holy vessel useable by Him and for Him. What else could you ask for?

Mold me and make me into whatever You choose, O Great Pottery Maker.

If the Lord should lead you to support our ministry, check out our ministry page at Trans World Radio (www.twr.org/carl-willis). 

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Bible, God's Will, Resistance, Romans, Scripture, Yielding

FUTILE RESISTANCE

ROMANS 9:19

“You will say to me then, ‘Why does He still find fault? For who has resisted His will?’”

Throughout the centuries, people have tried to thwart God’s will, but none have been successful. God’s will is well…God’s will. In Daniel 4:35 we read, “‘All the inhabitants of the earth are of no account, But He does according to His will among the army of heaven And among the inhabitants of earth; And no one can fend off His hand Or say to Him, “What have You done?”’” Nothing has changed. God’s will triumphs always.

Paul uses a Greek word for “resisted” that “is commonly used to denote the resistance offered by soldiers or armed men.” (Albert Barnes). We see this same word in Ephesians 6:13 where we are told, “Therefore, take up the full armor of God, so that you will be able to resist on the evil day, and having done everything, to stand firm.” That kind of resisting is a good thing. We should resist evil, but not God. That will get us nowhere.

APPLICATION

Paul is presupposing some arguments against his statements about God’s sovereign will. “Why does He still find fault? For who has resisted His will?” Those questions are still being asked today. May I suggest a rather simplistic answer? God’s ultimate, perfect will is based on the fact that He knows how all mankind will react. He doesn’t force our actions, but He knows them even before we do. Man’s free will has been evidenced since the Garden of Eden.

Now, I know you may not agree with my simple answer. That’s okay. You can be wrong. Just kidding. Seriously, just kidding. We can only base our beliefs on what His Word tells us over and over and over. I love the Expositor’s Greek Testament comment on this passage. “To this objection there is really no answer, and it ought to be frankly admitted that the Apostle does not answer it. The attempt to understand the relation between the human will and the Divine seems to lead of necessity to an antinomy which thought has not as yet succeeded in transcending.”

Don’t try to figure this out. There are some things you must believe on faith. I believe this in one of them. Knowing God’s will is simple. All through Scripture we see where He tells us straight out what it is. (Check out John 6:39-40; 1 Thessalonians 4:3; 1 Peter 2:15.) It’s not complicated, but you must yield to it. Do not resist Him. You will not win. But He wants you to win by trusting Him. You can take that to the bank!

Lord, I do not have to understand all the aspects of Your will for my life. I simply have to trust it each day. Thank You, Father.

If the Lord should lead you to support our ministry, check out our ministry page at Trans World Radio (www.twr.org/carl-willis). 

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Bible, Confession, Conviction, Heart, Holy Spirit, Romans, Scripture

DON’T GET HARDHEARTED

ROMANS 9:18

“So then He has mercy on whom He desires, and He hardens whom He desires.”

I have known some hardhearted people in my lifetime. No amount of love which was directed towards them changed their minds. They seemed to be mad at the world and everyone in it. I myself have had some hardhearted moments in my life when I felt someone had turned against me. But the Holy Spirit would not let me stay there. Why? Because He is love and will not allow a follower of Christ to remain there.

In verse 18 today Paul issues a warning. If we remain in a state of rebellion towards God and the things of God, He will allow that hardness to remain. God will not chisel His way into your life. The Topical Lexicon says this about the word sklérunó, which is the word Paul uses here. It “shows that hardening can be God’s righteous response to persistent rebellion, paralleling Pharaoh in Exodus. Divine hardening never violates human responsibility; rather, it ratifies the sinner’s chosen defiance.”

APPLICATION

If there was ever a need to apply a verse to your life, this is it. In Hebrews 3:15 we read, “while it is said, ‘TODAY IF YOU HEAR HIS VOICE, DO NOT HARDEN YOUR HEARTS, AS WHEN THEY PROVOKED ME.’” This is a quote from Psalm 95:7-8 when David referred to the hardening of the hearts of the Israelites at Meribah and Massah when they quarreled with Moses about not having enough water. They had seen God’s miraculous demonstrations of His power, yet they were concerned about not having enough water.

Before you point your finger at them, however, what have you been quarreling with God about. Can I be honest? I have been quarreling with God about something in my family for the past few years. No amount of praying seems to move the hand of God. So, I have quarreled with God about it. Why doesn’t He move in this situation? Why won’t He let me fix it? We can all get there at times.

Listen friends, we have to trust the hand of God in all things. We cannot allow the enemy to corrupt our minds and lead our hearts into a hardening. That goes in direct conflict with God’s will for our lives. I have repented of my hardness. Have you? I give it over to the Lord daily. I want my heart to remain soft and moldable to His touch. How about you?

Lord, forgive me of being hardhearted. I confess that as sin and ask You to soften my heart to be tender to Your Spirit’s work in my life.

If the Lord should lead you to support our ministry, check out our ministry page at Trans World Radio (www.twr.org/carl-willis). 

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