1Am I saying that God has turned his back on his people? Certainly not! I am one of the people of Israel, and I myself am a descendant of Abraham from the tribe of Benjamin. 2God did not turn his back on his chosen people. Don't you remember reading in the Scriptures how Elijah complained to God about the people of Israel? 3He said, "Lord, they killed your prophets and destroyed your altars. I am the only one left, and now they want to kill me."
4But the Lord told Elijah, "I still have seven thousand followers who have not worshiped Baal." 5It is the same way now. God was kind to the people of Israel, and so a few of them are still his followers. 6This happened because of God's undeserved kindness and not because of anything they have done. It could not have happened except for God's kindness.
7This means that only a chosen few of the people of Israel found what all of them were searching for. And the rest of them were stubborn, 8just as the Scriptures say,
"God made them so stupid
that their eyes are blind,
and their ears
are still deaf."
9Then David said,
"Turn their meals
into bait for a trap,
so that they will stumble
and be given
what they deserve.
10Blindfold their eyes!
Don't let them see.
Bend their backs
beneath a burden
that will never be lifted."
Imagine my surprise when I discoverd my dear friend Fr. Joseph was a "no fooling born again Christian". I didn't feel guilty with my surprise, based on my understanding of catholic church doctrine. I was disappointed with myself for the bigotry that was revealed in my spirit.
What I failed to recognize is what I saw as barriers to faith (catholic doctrine) Joseph saw as welcome signs.
Profiling...
Paul makes it clear today that God's adoption of the Gentiles did not mean God was through with Israel. God maintained a solid core of faithful believers within the Jewish nation...even though we all understand collectively the Jewish nation has denied Christ. You see... with God it's never "either, or". As much as possible it's "both, and". Fortunately, with God this isn't so difficult. You see, God comes to us as individuals, not as groups. He will come to any individual who calls upon Him, regardless of what group they belong to.
We do the Gospel a great disservice when we make the asumption that the Church is "us" (and I'm not certain about you). We deprive great portions of the Body of Christ fellowhip, prayer and encouragement that is so vital to powerful sanctified living. I believe God is honored when we imagine how great and diverse the Body of Christ is...rather than how exclusive it might be.
Which reminds me of the story of the famous Southern Baptist preacher. He died. When he arrived at the Pearly Gates and met St Peter he spoke wth the confidence borne of countless spirit-filled sermons.
"Good morning Peter" He said. "If you would be so kind as to point me toward my Baptist friends I will be grateful."
To which Peter responded..."who?"
Live boldly out there today...
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