Scripture to Read: Romans 9:25–29
God used Paul to quote Hosea 2:23 and Hosea 1:10 to show His incredible mercy. The Gentiles at one time were “not God’s people.” It was not that God did not love them, but He had chosen the nation of Israel to be “salt and light” to the lost world around them. Did Gentiles get saved in the Old Testament? Absolutely, God shows us in James 2:25 how Rahab was saved by placing her faith in God. Would Rahab have been one of “God’s chosen” people? No, but she exercised the same faith as Abraham. Then God had Paul quote Isaiah 10:22–23 and Isaiah 1:9. This mention of “the remnant that will be saved” refers to God’s work in saving a remnant when the Assyrians attacked and almost destroyed the nation of Israel. But God made a promise that the Israelites would not be utterly destroyed. God brought judgment on Israel several times throughout the Old Testament when they would turn their backs on God. But there was always a remnant, those who refused to worship the false gods of the pagan nations around them. We know Sodom and Gomorrah were both destroyed because of their godlessness. But even in God’s judgment, He saved Lot (2 Peter 2:6–9). We would not call Lot a “righteous man” after reading Genesis 19, but God led Peter to call Lot righteous. God also chose us as His children, and He calls us His holy priesthood, His holy nation, and His people (1 Peter 2:9). Thankfulness is our only correct response to God.
Challenge & Application
We see how God chooses us to be His people, so how are you living for the God who chose you first?
How does knowing that God calls Lot righteous and us holy change how you view yourself through God’s Truth?
Don’t forget to pray using the A.C.T.S. (Adoration, Confession, Thanksgiving, Supplication) method!