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Many times, ancient Israel, the people of God, became overwhelmed with the idea that they were the chosen of God. As they saw the favor of God poured out upon them in spiritual knowledge, the exodus from Egypt, and victory after victory over their enemies, many mistook that as a reason to be religious bigots. True, the counsel was clear. God had chosen them as the royal priesthood to be set apart for a holy use. He did instruct them to remain separate from all others because their religion was pure and undefiled. They worshipped the only true God and looked forward to the Messiah coming to reveal God to the earth. Somehow, in all of this, many had forgotten the reason God had chosen them. They lost sight of the fact that He wanted them to evangelize the world. He wanted them to show, because of God’s favor on them, that there are benefits to turning from sin and serving the Lord. Some misinterpreted this sanctification as an exclusive club of saved people barring all others from salvation. This was not the case.
God revealed a wonderful truth through the prophet Isaiah. “Neither let the son of the stranger, that hath joined himself to the LORD, speak, saying, The LORD hath utterly separated me from his people: neither let the eunuch say, Behold, I am a dry tree. For thus saith the LORD unto the eunuchs that keep my sabbaths, and choose the things that please me, and take hold of my covenant; Even unto them will I give in mine house and within my walls a place and a name better than of sons and of daughters: I will give them an everlasting name, that shall not be cut off.” Isaiah 56:3-5. He revealed that although salvation was of the Jews, the purpose of their favor was to bring others of all nations into knowledge of the truth. Their express purpose for living was to lead others to a relationship with the God that they knew so well. All, who by the power of God, saw their need for Him and accepted Him as their Lord and Savior, were accepted.
There are those today, who have the same elitist view of their own religious group, as did God’s ancient people. What does God have to say about this? “And other sheep I have, which are not of this fold: them also I must bring, and they shall hear my voice; and there shall be one fold, and one shepherd.” John 10:16. Those who worship God in spirit and in truth, who have the testimony and faith of Jesus, do not fall into the same trap. Resist the temptation to think you are the only ones eligible for salvation. Rather, accept the charge that God has always given to His people to evangelize the world. The fact that He has chosen you to gather all of those who love Him is reason enough to be humble. It is a reason to stay connected yourselves, in order to know His will that you might execute it faithfully. “For ye are all the children of God by faith in Christ Jesus. For as many of you as have been baptized into Christ have put on Christ. There is neither Jew nor Greek, there is neither bond nor free, there is neither male nor female: for ye are all one in Christ Jesus. And if ye be Christ’s, then are ye Abraham’s seed, and heirs according to the promise.” Galatians 3:26-29. All who can hear the voice of God have free access to all of His promises. “And the Spirit and the bride say, Come. And let him that heareth say, Come. And let him that is athirst come. And whosoever will, let him take the water of life freely.” Revelation 22:17.
