Bible Reading: Psalm 73,74,45; Romans 9:17-33
“And I will sow her unto me in the earth; and I will have mercy upon her that hath not obtained mercy; and I will say to them which were not my people; thou are my people; and they shall say, Thou art my God” Hosea 2:23 (KJV)
There was a time when God chose a people for Himself. He gave them laws and protected them. He put fear on the other nations because of them through signs and wonders. Some, however, held on to those laws even when the same God, who gave them these laws in the first place, gave them something better. The Pharisees, during Jesus time on earth were so religious they could not even recognise the Son of God when he came. They believed that by adhering to the laws handed to their forefathers they were covered.
With the passage of time, the God of all flesh extended His constant love to all nations of the world. John 3:16 says, “For God so loved the world, that he gave his only begotten Son, that whosoever believeth in him should not perish, but have everlasting life.” God has always been mindful of man. Paul shed more light on this love in Romans 5:8 (KJV), “But God commendeth his love toward us, in that, while we were yet sinners, Christ died for us.” The only requirement now to be a chosen of God is to believe in Jesus Christ’s death and resurrection and confess Him as Lord and saviour. So, both Jews and Gentiles have access to God through faith in Christ.
The Jews who are the first to be extended this privilege of being God’s chosen people, however, believed they can do this by just keeping and adhering to the law of Moses. They rejected Jesus and His disciples and the word being preached to them. Paul repeated again that righteousness through the law does not lead to life. But, rather, faith in Jesus Christ is what makes all righteous before God. Without faith, the bible says, no man can please God. He has given the opportunity to all to come to Him.
No wonder he said in Hosea 2:23 (KJV), “And I will sow her unto me in the earth; and I will have mercy upon her that hath not obtained mercy; and I will say to them which were not my people; thou are my people; and they shall say, Thou art my God.” He wants all men saved and does not want any soul to be destroyed. But this can only be achieved through faith in Jesus Christ.
Prayer: Dear Father, thank You for extending the gift of eternal life to all men.
Bro. Onyema Aghanenu