But It Was Because

“The Lord did not set his affection on you [Israel] and choose you because you were more numerous than other peoples, for you were the fewest of all peoples. But it was because the Lord loved you and kept the oath he swore to your forefathers that he brought you out with a mighty hand and redeemed you from the land of slavery, from the power of Pharaoh king of Egypt. Know therefore that the Lord your God is God; he is the faithful God, keeping his covenant of love to a thousand generations of those who love him and keep his commands.” (Deuteronomy 7:7-9, NIV 1984).

My Musings – Like Israel, the Lord owes us nothing. Neither His affection (love), a covenant relationship, nor His faithfulness. But He gives them, nonetheless.

His Love and Affection – “For God so loved the world that he gave his one and only Son, that whoever believes in him shall not perish but have eternal life.” (John 3:16, NIV 1984).

A Covenant Relationship – “The Lord Jesus, on the night he was betrayed, took bread, and when he had given thanks, he broke it and said, ‘This is my body, which is for you; do this in remembrance of me.’ In the same way, after supper he took the cup, saying, ‘This cup is the new covenant in my blood; do this, whenever you drink it, in remembrance of me.'” (1 Corinthians11:23-25, NIV 1985).

His Faithfulness – “If we are faithless, he will remain faithful, for he cannot disown himself.” (2 Timothy 2:11, NIV 1984).

My Advice – That kind of love and affection, that kind of a relationship, and that kind of faithfulness, individually, are things that people covet most in life. But here, one can get all three for the price of one sacrifice. A sacrifice we do not need to make. A sacrifice we never could make. A sacrifice He didn’t have to make.

“Yet, to all who [receive] him, to those who [believe] in his name, he [gives] the right to become children of God— children born not of natural descent, nor of human decision or a husband’s will, but born of God.” (John 1:12-13, NIV 1984). Not because we deserve it. Not because He needs us. Not because He was obligated. Because He loves us. Why would anyone reject this?