The Israelites were divinely privileged—they were rescued by God,
shown His mighty works, and allotted an inheritance of land, well-nourished and fruitful. Their logical response would have been to
worship God with all they had and to proclaim His greatness to other
nations; this was their purpose. Even in Abraham's time, God made it clear that He would bless Abraham's descendents so that they could be a blessing to other nations (Gen. 12:1-3).
In light of this, it is shocking how much and how often the people of Israel ignored God’s incredible goodness and were willing to deviate en masse, following other
gods or other kings. Time after time they gave themselves over to false gods, and time after time God punished them through conquerors, yet He never failed to call them back to Him.
When I read the many Old Testament accounts of Israel's unfaithfulness, I'm inclined to ask—why did God pick such a foolish race to be His people? Even Jesus said that if the miracles he performed in Israelite towns had been performed in certain pagan cities, such as Sodom, they would have repented long ago (Matt. 11:20-24). Why did God not choose for himself a race of people wise enough to respond to Him with gratitude and devotion?
When I read the many Old Testament accounts of Israel's unfaithfulness, I'm inclined to ask—why did God pick such a foolish race to be His people? Even Jesus said that if the miracles he performed in Israelite towns had been performed in certain pagan cities, such as Sodom, they would have repented long ago (Matt. 11:20-24). Why did God not choose for himself a race of people wise enough to respond to Him with gratitude and devotion?
But if I question why He chose Israel, I must also ask why He has chosen me. I forget His blessings. I take advantage of His goodness. Often I am reluctant to praise Him in places
where truth is unpopular. My natural response should be not just to acknowledge
Him, but to spend my life glorifying Him and seeking what pleases Him, yet much of the time I still seek my own pleasures. Why has God
chosen such an inconsistent weakling to receive His salvation? Yet He has indeed not only blessed me abundantly, but also called me to be a blessing in HIs work overseas. I have to remember that the nature
of God throughout time is to be merciful to those who don’t deserve it and to
show His power through man's weakness (Luke 6:35, Romans 5:6-8, Titus 3:3-7, 1 Corinthians 12:9). I
praise Him for the infinite grace He’s shown to Israel, and to me.
