Comments on: Why Does God Give Special Treatment to Some?

By: m&m

m&m — Sat, 18 Nov 2006 09:16:43 +0000

I wonder if some of this might be connected with even more of the story we don’t really have — premortal life. I don’t know how that all would shake out, but I think it’s something to consider.

By: Johnna

Johnna — Sat, 18 Nov 2006 08:50:36 +0000

I think God stood by Israel and kept finding new ways to work with them through they kept murmuring or wanting kings, makes a type of how God is faithful to his promise to us too, though we stumble and return. I guess that’s what Seth just said though.

The other fun thing about Abraham, Paul points out in Romans that God said Abraham was righteousness because Abraham believed that he would have his promised child(ren) though he was over 100 years old. So Paul says in Romans 4:11 that Abraham becomes father to all those who believe. I thought that was kind of fun when combined with the idea of adoption that we talk about more often.

By: Seth R.

Seth R. — Sat, 18 Nov 2006 03:00:06 +0000

I think in some way, Israel signifies all of God’s children.

It makes a lot more sense if you view God as a longsuffering, tolerant, yet affectionate father. Israel is the headstrong toddler, the rebellious adolescent, the willful son or daughter.

Good grief, do they ever exasperate you! But you still regard them with a great deal of affection nonetheless.

In a way, I think the covenant with Israel shows that, for better or for worse, God is stuck with us. And we with Him, even if we don’t always appreciate it.

Thus the meaning of the word “Israel” -

“One who prevails with God.”

By: Don Clifton

Don Clifton — Fri, 17 Nov 2006 23:28:08 +0000

mistaben, the covenant God made with Abraham is different than what He promised one of Abraham’s grandchildren.

By: mistaben

mistaben — Fri, 17 Nov 2006 23:00:31 +0000

Covenants are conditional, but the covenant God made with Abraham cannot be broken. Abraham kept his part of the bargain, and now the Lord does the same.

This is, I believe, part of why the House of Israel as a whole continues to be blessed.

Of course usually it becomes necessary for individuals to DO something in order for God’s promises to others to be fulfilled. See 3 Ne 5:14.

By: Don Clifton

Don Clifton — Fri, 17 Nov 2006 22:34:35 +0000

If Israel isn’t so special then why do we have to adopted into the house of Israel?

By: Don Clifton

Don Clifton — Fri, 17 Nov 2006 22:33:40 +0000

JVT, I’m not familiar enough with world religions to know, but if Esau’s decendents had “scriptures” with similar promises in them – wouldn’t we know about it? Or how about the Muslims – do they have scriptural promises and claim to the same or similar blessings/promises that Israel does? As for the lost 10 tribes – they are Israel – they already have those promises.

By: Don Clifton

Don Clifton — Fri, 17 Nov 2006 22:31:06 +0000

Michael, your comment made me think of a quote by Billy Graham – he said something to the effect “If God doesn’t destroy the U.S. for the sins we’ve committed, He owes Sodom and Gomorrah an appology.”

By: Don Clifton

Don Clifton — Fri, 17 Nov 2006 22:28:43 +0000

J., It appears to me the God favors the interests of the Jews (Israelites). Sure He promises us / muslims etc. the same end result blessings, but historically and prophetically it appears He treats His “chosen” people differently.

By: JVT

JVT — Fri, 17 Nov 2006 22:25:49 +0000

We don’t have all the story- we don’t know about his dealings with Esau’s family, for example, or the lost ten tribes, or? everyone else. Are there records of His doings with those groups, with other parts of the human family? I believe there is. The scriptures say that he invites all, all, all, to come; it is everywhere in scripture. And he invites each one of us, over and over again, even when we as individuals louse up our lives, b’cause He loves us. We are all His children. He has already chosen us, we need to choose Him.