Study Desk

But did they really understand? I believe they did, for even when Moses was riding for the brand, God said, "You will become jealous of those you think are below you, Israel. You'll throw a fit when I give them my grace and mercy to those who were not even looking for me."

God said about Israel, "I sounded the siren for them to come to me all day long and they ignored me because they are rebellious and disobedient."

So, do you think God has somehow double-crossed his own people? That's foolishness! I'm an Israelite, an ancestor of Abraham and part of the Benjamite Crew.

God didn't double-cross his own people. He chose them from the get-go. Have you not studied the Good Book? Elijah complained to God about his own people when he said,

Not much has changed since then. There are a few Israelites who have remained faithful to the brand. This brand is based on grace and kindness from God,

So, here's the deal amigos, most folks ain't come to God for the life they've been prowling the brush for. There have been a few, but those are the ones he has chosen. The rest of their hearts have become hardened.

The Good Book says, "After all God did for them, he finally turned 'em loose to their own devices. He shut their eyes like the blind and closed their ears like the deaf."

So, has God totally given up on them? Again, no! Sure, they've been trying it their own way, but all that got them was God inviting the outsiders to his table. It wasn't that he shunned his people, it was so they might become jealous of the favor he granted the outsiders and come back to Him.

If God would give so much to outsiders, think about how much he would give his own people.

I'm not blowing smoke, I'm talking to you outsiders now. God has given me the responsibility to go out and gather your pastures for his brand. I've got a good motive, too!

I want the people of Israel to become green with envy over y'alls relationship with God. I hope this will spur some of them to change their ways.

If God didn't hesitate to cut his own people off, don't think you are somehow immune if you turn your back.

God is both dangerous and kind. He is dangerous to the disobedient, but kind to those who seek his guidance through Christ. But if you turn your back, the axe is coming out.

Israel has become an enemy of the good news. But their loss is your gain for now. Yet, God still loves them because of the grandpappies Abe, Isaac, and Jake.

Once, you outsiders were enemies of God and Israel wasn't.

Everyone has turned their back on God, but his mercy is greater.

Has anyone given so much that God owes them something back?

I'm saying this as if the God of mercy himself were standing right here. I urge each of you to offer up your lives into his outfit—this is how you really worship God.

Because of his grace, God gave us different specialties for doing things well. If God gave you the specialty of speaking his truth, do it with as much faith as God has given you.

Keep your eye on our hope that God sent. Be patient during the pitching, and keep on praying.