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6 It is not as though God’s word had failed. For not all who are descended from Israel are Israel. 7 Nor because they are his descendants are they all Abraham’s children. On the contrary, “It is through Isaac that your offspring will be reckoned.” 8 In other words, it is not the children by physical descent who are God’s children, but it is the children of the promise who are regarded as Abraham’s offspring. 9 For this was how the promise was stated: “At the appointed time I will return, and Sarah will have a son.”

10 Not only that, but Rebekah’s children were conceived at the same time by our father Isaac.11 Yet, before the twins were born or had done anything good or bad—in order that God’s purpose in election might stand: 12 not by works but by him who calls—she was told, “The older will serve the younger.” 13 Just as it is written: “Jacob I loved, but Esau I hated.”

 

The people of “the promise” are defined here by their faith in Christ alone. No longer is lineage or ancestral status a claim to righteousness. We are now accepted by God’s grace alone.

I read a devotional once (cannot remember the writer) who created an analogy: There was once a woman in ownership of a Mandarin-like vase obtained in a relative’s attic. This same person did not know of its worth and saw it as an old piece of junk; a cute vessel in which to display flowers. She went on to give it away. Imagine the surprise of the second recipient of the vase when it was later priced in the millions!

I think God’s gift to us in Him is of infinite value but some simply refuse to see or invest in this. Be assured that as believers we have been blessed beyond our wildest dreams. It is my prayer that everyone would somehow come to realize this in their lifetime.

Allison Montgomery

Yes5olias1@yahoo.com

 

Prayer Concern - For those with family and friends who do not see- that their eyes would be opened to His gift.

Alternative verses: Isaiah 51: 17-23 and Psalm 145: 8-9 and 14-21