By Ron Courter (Excerpt from Article Originally Printed April 30, 1985)
How did God love or prefer Israel over Edom? The manner of Jacob’s preference is biblically declared. Paul writes, “What advantage then hath the Jew? or what profit is there of Circumcision? Much every way: chiefly, because that unto them were committed the oracles of God (Romans 3:1,2).” Israel received a clear, complete body of revelation from heaven. Who would claim such a body of revelation is not to one’s advantage? Stephen spoke of such in Acts 7:38 when he said, “…and our fathers: who received the lively oracles to give unto us.”
The Psalmist speaks clearly of how Jacob was preferred. “He sheweth his word unto Jacob, his statutes and his judgments unto Israel. He hath not dealt so with any nation: and as for his judgments, they have not known them. Praise ye the LORD (Psalms 147: 19,20).” For those who prematurely affirm such actions were not proper for the sovereignty of heaven, let it be remembered Israel had to obey the revelation given to obtain righteousness. Amos 3:2 reads, “You only have I known of all the families of the earth: therefore I will punish you for all your iniquities.” Furthermore, the completed revelation leaves no doubt that God is just and far more aware of justice than man’s development. God is far more capable than man to see the demands of justice are fulfilled. Therefore, be silent when you begin to question the justness of the creator and sustainer of man. Continue reading