Wisdom is always distant and difficult to
find. Ecclesiastes 7:24
Consider God’s actions towards His chosen
people as written by Paul to the Roman church.
I ask, then, has God rejected His own
people, the nation of Israel? Of course not! I myself am an Israelite, a
descendant of Abraham and a member of the tribe of Benjamin. No, God has not rejected
his own people, whom he chose from the very beginning. Do you realize what the
Scriptures say about this? Elijah the prophet complained to God about the
people of Israel and said, "LORD, they have killed your prophets and torn
down your altars. I am the only one left, and now they are trying to kill me,
too." And do you remember God's reply? He said, "No, I have 7,000
others who have never bowed down to Baal!" It is the same today, for a few
of the people of Israel have remained faithful because of God's grace—His undeserved
kindness in choosing them. And since it is through God's kindness, then it is
not by their good works. For in that case, God's grace would not be what it
really is—free and undeserved. So this is the situation: Most of the people of
Israel have not found the favor of God they are looking for so earnestly. A few
have—the ones God has chosen—but the hearts of the rest were hardened. As the
Scriptures say, "God has put them into a deep sleep. To this day He has
shut their eyes so they do not see, and closed their ears so they do not
hear." Likewise, David said, "Let their bountiful table become a
snare, a trap that makes them think all is well. Let their blessings cause them
to stumble, and let them get what they deserve. Let their eyes go blind so they
cannot see, and let their backs be bent forever." Did God's people stumble
and fall beyond recovery? Of course not! They were disobedient, so God made
salvation available to the Gentiles. But He wanted His own people to become
jealous and claim it for themselves. Now if the Gentiles were enriched because
the people of Israel turned down God's offer of salvation, think how much
greater a blessing the world will share when they (The Israelites) finally
accept it. Romans 11:1-12.
This is wisdom—the revealing of God’s plan
for His chosen people—the Israelites. What a glorious day that is for every Jew
upon whom God’s grace falls, whose eyes see and ears hear the Truth, and they
accept their Messiah, their salvation. A very glorious day—I rejoice with
them—with each of my Jewish acquaintances—for whom I pray frequently.
Prayer
~ Lord Jesus, open the eyes and ears of Jews around the world—that they would
know You as their Lord and Savior. They may still be looking for a national or
political savior—but You are the conquering Savior for whom they long and
continually search. Praise You—Lord and Savior of Jews and Gentiles alike.
© 2016 by Mickey M. Hunacek. All rights reserved.
All scripture quoted from the New Living Translation (NLT)
unless otherwise noted.
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