The blessing of the chosen.

Romans 11:7 What then? What Israel is seeking, it has not obtained, but those who were chosen obtained it, and the rest were hardened; Paul’s explanation of God’s plan for national Israel is stunning. He gave Israel the Law, and they sought to be righteous on the basis of their works. The result: They did not obtain a righteous standing before God. But those in Israel who were chosen by God did obtain a righteous standing before God in Jesus Christ by grace. By the inspiration of the Holy Spirit, Paul deduced that the unbelieving in Israel were hardened. What encouragement is there for us to live to love with Jesus in this verse? First, the love we have received from God that has captured our hearts is a love from which we cannot be separated because of His choice. He chose us in Christ to be holy and blameless before Him. He has chosen to set His love and affection upon us. We are loved by God. Because we are loved by Him, He has given us His Spirit, who has poured out His love within our hearts. This love is dynamic. We have an indwelling superpower that is directed toward everyone with whom we come in contact. We can see this same electing love at work as we live to love with Jesus. He is still giving His righteousness to all who believe as an expression of His love. Acknowledgment: Music from “Carried by the Father” by Eric Terlizzi. www.ericterlizzi.com