Why did God choose the people of Israel as “the royal priesthood” and “holy nation” (Example 19:6, ESV)? Was it for something inherently good? Maybe because they were better than the others? The Lord answered this question directly, “The Lord chose you because he did not prepare you for any affection, and you were more than others.
Paul also spoke to this, writing to Moses, “I have mercy to those who have mercy, so I have mercy to those who have mercy.” Therefore, it does not depend on human desires or effort, but on the mercy of God” (Romans 9:15-16).
In short, Israel was chosen for God’s sovereignty, not for Israel’s own merit, but for God’s sovereignty.
He decided to build love in Abraham, Isaac and Jacob and bless the world through their descendants. That is, it means Jesus the Messiah, through the people of Israel and ultimately, Abraham’s seed of excellence. And he made unconditional promises to the patriarch, so he kept his words throughout the generations, defended the people of Israel, disciplined them, scattered them, and restored them.
That’s the only reason we’re still here (I say this myself as a Jew). That’s why we are back in Israel today. This is due to the will of God’s sovereignty.
As he explicitly stated, “This is what the Lord says, He appoints the sun that will shine during the day, the moon and stars will shine in the night, and blows away the glow as if to stir the sea. This is what the Lord says: “Only if we can measure the heaven above, it is possible to search the foundations of the earth below.
There you have it. Israel is preserved as a people no matter what.
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We have been judged and punished for our sin. But we are saved. So the Lord says:
Just as Israel boasts of its own righteousness, the Lord actually said to the prophet Ezekiel: All Israelites are hardened and stubborn” (Ezek 3:5–7).
In short, he said, “If I send you to prophesy to the nation, they will listen, but not my own chosen people!”
Paul repeated this on the clearest possible conditions, writing a letter to the Gentile Roman Christians. “As far as the gospel is concerned, they (meaning the people of Israel who rejected Jesus as the Messiah) are loved, as far as elections are concerned, for God’s gifts and for his call.
Israel remains elected and elected for God’s sovereignty and plan. Israel still has a mission on Earth.
This does not mean that salvation is guaranteed for individual Jews. Not for a while. All of us, Jews and Gentiles, are alike short of us for our sins, and we all need mercy through the cross.
But this means that despite Israel’s failure, God’s talent for them remains intact and their elections remain safe. He doesn’t change his mind.
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This should be a great comfort for Christians. It is a visible earthly demonstration of God’s faithfulness. If he makes a promise, he will protect it despite our failures, sins and flaws.
We stand up to His goodness, not our own mercy, not our own mercy, not our own goodness. We live by grace too.
Unfortunately, many Christians take the umbreage to the idea that despite the explicit biblical testimony, the Jews are still chosen in some way. They consider this somehow unfair.
On the contrary, God’s choice of Israel is a continuous and real example of his sovereignty, his patience and his nature to keep our Lord’s promises.
Rather than complaining about this, he should be pleased to realize that if God can break his promise to Israel, he can break his promise to the Church.
Thank you to God. When you look at Israel today (people around the world and people of the Middle East), you are seeing God’s sovereignty in action until this moment.
He can be trusted.
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Dr. Michael Brown (www.thelineoffire.org/) is the host of Syndicate the Fire radio shows nationwide. He is the author of over 40 books, including “Can you become a gay and a Christian?” “Our hands are stained with blood.” “Getting the Moment: How to Burn the Fire of Revival.” You can connect with him on Facebook, X, and YouTube.
