May 25, 2010

Why Did God Choose Israel? What Makes Them So Special?
Deuteronomy 7:7-16(NIV)

“The LORD did not set his affection on you and choose you because you were more numerous than other peoples, for you were the fewest of all peoples. But it was because the LORD loved you and kept the oath he swore to your forefathers that he brought you out with a mighty hand and redeemed you from the land of slavery, from the power of Pharaoh king of Egypt."

“Know therefore that the LORD your God is God; he is the faithful God, keeping his covenant of love to a thousand generations of those who love him and keep his commands."

“ . . . . If you pay attention to these laws and are careful to follow them, then . . . . . He will bless the fruit of your womb, the crops of your land--your grain, new wine and oil--the calves of your herds and the lambs of . . . . . none of your men or women will be childless, nor any of your livestock without young. The LORD will keep you free from every disease. . ." Deuteronomy 7:7-16 (NIV)

Pastor’s Blog

A Rabbi once said of his people,” Jews are just like everyone else, only more so”. He meant that in the Jewish people we see all the traits of humanity displayed in an amplified way. Reading the story of the Jews is reading my story. The Old Testament is the big screen story of all of humanity.

Therefore the reason God chose the Jews is just because he decided to. The big thing, though, is that having chosen them, he will never, ever, quit on them. God is faithful to his covenant (Gen 12:1-3, Gen 15). God keeps his promise.

Now here’s the thing. Jews are a picture of us. The New Testament says (read Galatians and Romans) that God’s faithfulness to the Jews is a picture of God’s faithfulness and love toward us!!!!!

“Know therefore that the LORD your God is God; he is the faithful God,
keeping his covenant of love to a thousand generations of those who love
him and keep his commands” Deuteronomy 7:9

One other thing: Notice all the blessings that come from obedience!!!!!!! OF COURSE, we live in a broken world where broken things will happen, BUT obedience = abundance!!!!! God DOES bless us in practical, tangible ways. “None, any, every” are not simply the literary device of hyperbole, they are words of abundance making the point that life under God is abundant and full, even when such words are tempered with the brokenness that surrounds us.