What Does It Mean for Israel to Be Chosen?

Reflecting on the Third Sunday after Pentecost: One Day after Sunday (Year A)

Scripture (semicontinuous)

Psalter: Psalm 126

Old Testament: Genesis 23:1-19

Epistle: 1 Thessalonians 3:1-5

Scripture (complementary)

Psalter: Psalm 105:1-11, 37-45

Old Testament: Joshua 1:1-11

Epistle: 1 Thessalonians 3:1-5

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Prayer

God of the prophets and apostles,  you greeted old Abraham and Sarah  with news of wonder and life.  Send us into the world  to preach good news, as Jesus did,  heal the sick,  resist evil,  and bring the outcast home. Amen.

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Reflection

Remember the wonderful works he has done,

    his miracles and the judgments he has uttered,

O offspring of his servant Abraham,

    children of Jacob, his chosen ones (Psalm 105:5-6).

In the Old Testament, Israel as God’s chosen people refers to the special relationship between God and the nation of Israel. According to the biblical narrative, God chose the descendants of Abraham, starting with his son Isaac and grandson Jacob (whose name was later changed to Israel) to be a unique people through whom He would reveal Himself and His purposes to the world.

To be chosen implies that Israel had a distinct role and responsibility in God’s plan. The Old Testament portrays Israel as a chosen nation to fulfill several purposes.

God established a covenant, or a sacred agreement with Israel. This covenant, initially made with Abraham and later reaffirmed with Moses, outlined the obligations and promises between God and the Israelites. The chosen status of Israel meant they were called to follow God’s commandments and live according to God’s laws.

God promised to give the land of Canaan to the descendants of Abraham as an inheritance (Genesis 17:8). Israel’s chosen status involved their settlement in the land and the establishment of a nation with a unique purpose.

Israel was chosen to be a light to the nations, representing God’s values and sharing God’s truth with the world. Through their obedience to God and adherence to his laws, Israel was meant to be a witness and a blessing to other nations (Exodus 19:5-6).

The chosen status of Israel was also connected to the promise of a future Messiah, who would come from the lineage of Israel, specifically King David. The Old Testament looks forward to the coming of a chosen Savior who would bring salvation not only to Israel but to all humanity.

It's important to note that being chosen does not imply exclusivity or superiority over other nations in terms of worth or value. Instead, it signifies a unique role, responsibility, and relationship with God. While Israel’s chosen status was not dependent on their faithfulness and obedience to God’s covenant, nevertheless their disobedience is judged severely by God who intends to use Israel to further his mission in the world.

Christians have an important stake in Israel’s chosen status. If Israel is not chosen by God, then Jesus cannot be the Messiah, who is the completion of Israel’s calling for the sake of the world.

PRAYER: God of compassion, you have opened the way for us  and brought us to yourself. Pour your love into our hearts, that overflowing with joy,  we may freely share the blessings of your realm  and faithfully proclaim the good news of Christ. Amen.

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