ROMANS 9:1-5 GENUINE CONCERN As the doctrine of the Gospel is unfolded by the Holy Spirit through the pen of the apostle Paul, there arises the question, "What about Israel? Are the Jews no longer in God's plan of things?" When God chose Israel as a special nation to be His people on earth, that was not a temporary act. Israel was God's chosen earthly nation of people and there will not be another nation that has such a privileged position. Their tendency, and actions, to go after false gods in the Old Testament times, brought on the nation divine judgment. The grace of God revealed in Christ was rejected by the nation and the Messiah for whom Israel waited, was refused and crucified. "God, who is rich in mercy" still has this nation as His special people on earth, but grace refused and Christ rejected has brought serious consequences to both individual people and Israel as a nation.
The concern of Paul for the people of which he was a part, is understandable. He is not saying he loved his nation more than he loved God. His love for his own people was genuine. His concern was so great because he could see what was happening to them as they were a grace-hating people. As a race they still wanted the Law, the temple and the forms they had developed to make them to appear holy. But this did not make Paul hate them because "the love of Christ" was constraining him to be faithful to them. He had a real Christ-like love for his own people.
Lest we become too judgmental, we can see how far removed from biblical Christianity the "Christian world" has become. Huge cathedrals, robes and vestments like Old Testament priests, forms and rituals that follow pagan practices have replaced what God intended for the Church. Now there is very little in Christendom that bears a semblance to what the New Testament teaches about the Church composed of people from every nation and culture should be.
It is important for me to remember that Israel is still God's chosen nation, His "first-born." That will not change. That nation saw the glory of God through 40 years of desert living. The glory of God was their light and safety in the night and shelter and comfort in the heat of the day. That glory was seen in the tabernacle and temple as a testimony to the presence of God with them. Even the glory of the reign of David and Solomon was a reflected glory of God.
The covenants from Abraham on were given to Israel, not to the Gentile nations of earth. Those covenants made were not abrogated and Israel will yet dwell in the promised land with their Messiah reigning in righteousness and peace. The law with its written directions for the well-being of mankind was given to Israel to keep as a steward of righteousness even for other nations. The laws that formed the basis for the social conduct of many Gentile national governments came from the Law delivered to Israel.
Religious ordinances for the tabernacle and temple service with elaborate outward forms belonged to Israel as a counter to the ungodly cultures of that day. But as far as Christians are concerned today, those forms are only elements of the type that is practiced in many religions, and have nothing to do with worshipping the Father "in spirit and in truth." Forms are only used now to control and manipulate people. The reality of the worship of God is when the minds and hearts of people are occupied with the Object of our worship, not the liturgy or pomp and show to impress men. Similarly, the promises of God to Israel that were made regarding their land weren't just matters of property ownership, but that through that nation would come salvation that would bless people of all nations. When Christ came those promises began to reach out to the whole world through the Gospel.
"Christ, as to the flesh - who is over all" has brought the greatest of all honors to Israel. The Eternal God, the Lord God Almighty - was found in fashion as a man - a Jewish man. He is God blessed unto all the ages. He is the Father of Eternity, the God of creation, the God of our salvation who was promised to Adam and was promised through Abraham, who was born of a Jewish virgin, cared for by a Jewish carpenter, and who will some day reign over all the nations of the earth from a Jewish throne - the throne of David.
No wonder Paul was so concerned by the rejection of the Lord Jesus Christ by his own people. He had been faithful to them, but they had rejected his teaching. But he also knows there is a day coming when Israel will respond to the Messiah by God's great mercy.
I am not one of those who are part of God's chosen nation. Nor am I identifiable by very many people like those of higher station. But by God's sovereign, unfailing and supremely marvelous grace - Accepted in Christ Jesus, I have in the kingdom of God a place.
As to what that means in the coming future, I am not quite sure. But as a son adopted into God's family, by Spirit-power I endure The pressures of living in this pagan and ungrateful world of men - Without having to yield to the forces that want to pour me into the mold with them.
The place I have been given now is with those who are a kingdom of chosen priests. Israel was supposed to be that, but because of their sin that privilege ceased. Although they had a representative priesthood to fill that God-intended role - They wanted to be like the world around in a way that cost the nation its soul.
Yes, there is coming a future day of world-wide blessing through that earthly nation. And through Christ coming as one of them, and bringing the blessing of salvation. Still there is concern for them because of their past rejection and present neglect Of their God and Savior Jesus Christ, to whom they show very little respect.
Their history is one of suffering, persecution and of national pain. But they have the promises and covenants - one day as a nation they will again Gain ascendancy, though at this present time they seem to us so small - Until Christ takes David's throne, and then to His authority all kingdoms will fall.
The concern of us who have been brought into God's family, Is that in spite of national indifference, individuals of the nation will see That Jesus Christ the Lord is the Savior of all who will call on Him. And Jews and Gentiles alike come into His family as individuals - each of them.
The Jewish nation has a future, of that biblical fact there is no doubt. We do not have a present time-table as to when this will come about. But of greater importance is that individuals now will on Christ believe - And no matter what nationality one is, into God's family will be placed those who Christ receive.
"Father, I pray that I will be kept from a feeling of smug complacency because I am in Thy family. Those I know of Jewish background who are my brothers and sisters in Christ I dearly love. Help my brother who calls himself a "completed Jew" to be able to reach others with his compassion and zeal. Give power to those who are known as "Messianic Jews" to win many souls to the Savior. In the name of the Lord Jesus Christ, Amen."