ENCOURAGEMENT FOR THE DAY

A Trophy of Grace

Romans 9:4b
Theirs is the adoption as sons...

 

 

God speaks of the nation of Israel as being His son. He never has said that of any other people on the earth. The adoption as sons belongs to Israel. Here are some verses to consider:
- Exodus 4:22: "Then say to Pharaoh, 'This is what the LORD says: Israel is my firstborn son...' "
- Deuteronomy 7:6 "For you are a people holy to the LORD your God. The LORD your God has chosen you out of all the peoples on the face of the earth to be his people, his treasured possession."
- Hosea 11:1: "When Israel was a child, I loved him, and out of Egypt I called my son."
However, God did not choose them because they were more righteous, numerous, stronger, smarter or more attractive than other people. In fact, God called them stiff-necked (just like us):
- Exodus 33:5: "For the LORD had said to Moses, 'Tell the Israelites, "You are a stiff-necked people. If I were to go with you even for a moment, I might destroy you. Now take off your ornaments and I will decide what to do with you." ' "
- Deuteronomy 7:7-8a: "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..."
- Deuteronomy 9:6: "Understand, then, that it is not because of your righteousness that the LORD your God is giving you this good land to possess, for you are a stiff-necked people."
We all have a tendency to think: "God, you certainly made a wise choice when you chose me. Everyone knows I am a wonderful person. You are so wise!" (Our self-righteous thoughts and attitudes must be comical from God's perspective.) However, the Bible teaches just the opposite: We are not chosen for the glory of God's wisdom, but to be the glory of His grace. The Lord chose Israel for the same reason He chose you and me: To be a trophy of His grace.

 

 

If today we had a chance to look into heaven, we might be a bit surprised at who was there ahead of us. We might even say: "How did he get in? Or, there is no way she could ever be good enough to get in -- there must be a back door!" We know there is only one path to eternal life: It is by placing our trust, faith and belief in Jesus Christ as our personal Lord and Savior. If you haven't already done so, do it right now. Then, you too will be a trophy of God's grace, and welcomed into His Kingdom as an adopted Son!

POCKETPOWER.ORG