nation of God

As I read through Psalms 106-110 this morning I thought about the special relationship of the people of Israel with God.  It occurred to me that the only thing that distinguished them from every other nation was their relationship to God.  Even now the people of Israel are a living testimony to the historical accuracy of the Bible; the only reason they are a nation is because God, Himself, established them way back in the time of Genesis.  They started as individuals (Abraham, Isaac, Jacob) and grew into a family.  The family grew into a nation.  Today that nation still exists.  Other nations of the world had their origins in strong leaders and political systems, but they have risen and fallen, never to be seen again.  I don't think there is a single nation currently on the face of the earth that can trace its history and political system back as far as Israel.  And this is true despite the harshest efforts of some to persecute, scatter and destroy Israel through the centuries.  I believe we can see the faithfulness of God to preserve a nation and be encouraged that He is also faithful to preserve all who have become His children through faith in His Son.  The nation of Israel is not great today by virtue of its size, but by virtue of its existence.  And we are not great by virtue of our wealth, power, or accomplishment, but by virtue of our existence through the grace of the God who will preserve us forever, just as He has preserved His nation, Israel.

 

Genesis 13: ¹⁴ The LORD said to Abram after Lot had parted from him, "Lift up your eyes from where you are and look north and south, east and west. ¹⁵ All the land that you see I will give to you and your offspring  forever. ¹⁶ I will make your offspring like the dust of the earth, so that if anyone could count the dust, then your offspring could be counted.

 

blessings,

Rob Smith