| Romans 9:6-9 "It is not as though God's word had failed. For not all who are descended from Israel are Israel. Nor because they are his descendants are they all Abraham's children. On the contrary, "It is through Isaac that your offspring will be reckoned." In other words, it is not the natural children who are God's children, but it is the children of the promise who are regarded as Abraham's offspring. For this was how the promise was stated: "At the appointed time I will return, and Sarah will have a son." God is faithful and His promises will always come true. But why are the Israelites, God's chosen people, abandoned by God? Paul once again explained God's will in His selection. First, "for not all who are descended from Israel are Israel." In God's eyes, He doesn't value a person's appearance or background, but only a person's heart. If God only values appearance, then those of us who are not Jews have no chance for receiving His grace. We, however, thank God because He doesn't show favoritism and He doesn't value our appearance, but only our heart. That's why Paul said in Romans 2:28-29 that "A man is not a Jew if he is only one outwardly, nor is circumcision merely outward and physical. No, a man is a Jew if he is one inwardly; and circumcision is circumcision of the heart, by the Spirit, not by the written code." Second, "nor because they are his descendants are they all Abraham's children." Abraham actually had many children, but only Isaac was the one promised by God, because Isaac was the son given to Abraham according to His way in His time. Before Abraham has Isaac, he and Hagar had Ishmael in his own way, but God told him that the offspring He will give to Abraham was not his servant or Ishmael. Abraham was puzzled because he thought that he and Sarah were too old to have children anymore, so how could he possibly have a child? God then told Abraham that same time next year He will give Abraham a son and the son should be named Isaac. "Isaac" means God's time and God's way, not by the plan of men but by the sovereignty of God. Third, "it is not the natural children who are God's children, but it is the children of the promise who are regarded as Abraham's offspring." That's why Israelites were abandoned - God's promise will always control true, but there was a condition to it. It didn't matter whether a person is a Jew or has been baptized, but a person must obey God's guidance. A person who follows God's guidance will be able to enjoy all the grace that God has promised. Brothers and sisters, are you willing to be such an obedient person? 
Pray with Pastor Tong Liu Lord, I thank you because you are the God who doesn't show favoritism, and your promise will never be unfulfilled. Let us be determined to obey you and seek your will in our daily life so that your will may be done. I thank you and I pray in the victorious name of Jesus, amen! |
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