Day 15

The Lord’s Love for Israel

from the reading plan


Malachi 1:1-5, Acts 20:32-35, Romans 9:6-21


Scripture Reading: Malachi 1:1-5, Acts 20:32-35, Romans 9:6-21

I know he really doesn’t mean it. I know he doesn’t understand the weight it holds. And I know he’s just saying it because it’s a provocative word he heard his older brother use. But still, whenever I hear my two-year-old son say “I hate [fill in the blank here with anything from cereal to his fire truck pajamas to the bathtub],” it breaks my heart a little bit. Boys as young as Jude aren’t supposed to know about hate—not yet anyway.

Hate is one of those words that grabs your attention. It’s stronger than dislike, bigger than mere preference. To hate a thing is to place little or no value on it. We reserve our hatred for the worst of the worst—at least what appears to be the worst in our own eyes.

It’s one thing to be hated by another person, whether or not that hatred is deserved, but can there be anything worse than being the object of God’s hatred? Yet, that’s precisely what God says about Esau: “I loved Jacob, but I hated Esau” (Malachi 1:2–3). Ouch, right?

Malachi is a book about God’s love for His people. It was written after the exile, when the people of Judah had begun to return to the land of promise. The temple had been rebuilt, but it wasn’t as awe-inspiring as the one Solomon constructed (Ezra 3:12). In addition, enemies surrounded them on every side, and they weren’t really free from the grip of foreign powers. With all this on their minds and before their eyes, the people were beginning to doubt God’s love for them.

And God’s response is to point across the border of Judah into the neighboring country of Edom, where Esau’s descendants live. The Edomites haven’t been taken into exile. They haven’t suffered the losses or known the devastation that God’s people had. To any observer, based on present circumstances, it would seem that God favors Esau over Jacob. But God says that Esau’s day is coming, and when their cities are destroyed, they will not be rebuilt (Malachi 1:4). God’s people, on the other hand, had been chosen to be His vehicle of blessing for the world. He isn’t about to give them up. He loves them.

The use of hate in these verses catches our attention, but it shouldn’t. God’s love should instead. By all rights, God ought to hate all of us. The history of our world is a history of disobedience, of people and nations rejecting the gracious invitations of God. And Israel is, by and large, no different. That’s what the exile was all about, after all. Yet despite their sin and ours, God still chooses to love. He loved Jacob, so that through Jacob the promised Messiah would come and bless the whole world. In this way, God’s love for the people of Israel would extend to people from every tribe, tongue, and nation—even to those of us who smell an awful lot like Esau.

Written by John Greco

Post Comments (122)

122 thoughts on "The Lord’s Love for Israel"

  1. sky777 says:

    After looking at a few of the blog articles on your site, I honestly
    appreciate your technique of writing a blog.
    I book-marked it to my bookmark website list and will be checking back in the near future.
    Please check out my web site as well and tell
    me what you think.

  2. Do you mind if I quote a couple of your posts as long as I provide credit and sources back
    to your website? My blog is in the very same niche as yours and my users would genuinely benefit
    from a lot of the information you provide here. Please let me know if this alright with you.
    Thanks a lot!

  3. I do believe all the ideas you have presented in your
    post. They are really convincing and will certainly work.
    Nonetheless, the posts are too short for starters. Could you please
    lengthen them a bit from next time? Thanks for the post.

  4. I every time used to study paragraph in news papers but now as I
    am a user of internet thus from now I am using net for articles or reviews, thanks
    to web.

  5. An impressive share! I have just forwarded this onto a friend who
    had been conducting a little homework on this. And he actually bought me lunch simply because I discovered it for him…

    lol. So allow me to reword this…. Thank YOU for the meal!!

    But yeah, thanx for spending time to talk about this topic
    here on your web page.

  6. Great blog you have here but I was wanting to know if
    you knew of any discussion boards that cover the same topics discussed in this article?
    I’d really love to be a part of group where I can get opinions from other experienced individuals that share the same interest.
    If you have any suggestions, please let me know.
    Bless you!

  7. Great blog here! Also your website loads
    up very fast! What web host are you using? Can I get your
    affiliate link to your host? I wish my web site loaded up as quickly as yours lol

  8. bowlandbone says:

    It’s going to be end of mine day, except before ending I am reading this impressive piece
    of writing to increase my experience.

  9. pokerace99 says:

    My family members always say that I am wasting my time here at net,
    but I know I am getting know-how everyday by reading thes fastidious articles.

  10. sky club 777 says:

    The race being 3.2 miles and is exclusively within the Disney Vacation resort.
    Generally, a vacation will be to a beach within driving distance of your home for fun in the sun-tan.

  11. To download the software I am using, check into website link below.
    Once you’re ahead by 25% over your starting bankroll, quit!
    This meant i was basically obtaining a brand new slot machine for a very large low priced.

  12. sky777 says:

    I’m not sure where you are getting your information, but great topic.

    I needs to spend some time learning more or understanding more.
    Thanks for fantastic info I was looking for this info for my mission.

  13. This is a topic that’s near to my heart… Thank you!
    Exactly where are your contact details though?

  14. I еvery time uѕed to study piece of wгiting in news papers but now as
    I ɑam a uѕer of infeгnet theгefоrе from now I am using net for content, thɑnks to
    web. http://www.ergoplus.it/?option=com_k2&view=itemlist&task=user&id=969851

  15. Used properly, might improve your social presence and help that you
    acquire more readers. Press a petal or a flower and laminate it before attaching to the page.
    Not all pages from the website have same page authority.

  16. Awesome! Its in fact awesome piece of writing, I have got much clear
    idea concerning from this piece of writing.

  17. Im grateful for the blog article.Really looking forward to read more. Much obliged.

  18. Hey Ι am so thrilled Ι found your site, I really found you by mistake, while
    I was browsing on Yahoo for something else, Anyhow I am hеre
    now and ԝould justt like to saay cheers for a remrkable post and a all rouund
    entertaining blog (I also love the thеme/design), I
    don’t have tіme to broԝse it all at the moment but I have Ƅook-markеd it ɑnd also addeԁ in your RՏS
    feeds, so when I have time I will be back to read a lot more, Plaѕe do keеρ up the great work.

  19. sky777 apk says:

    The most effective SEO technique iis to index the pages of new website.
    There are associated with imporrtant issues, one should take care.
    We will offer a simlle gguide steps to hdlp you labels on homeopathic products.

    The primary item necesary to make a smoothie is a good
    blender or food processor. Just about any blender will do, though these days they are
    even making blenders especially making drinks. The Smoothie Freeze Machine by
    Back To Basics is really a great blender to use for shakes.
    This smoothie machine can be purchased at most large merchants (such as Target
    or Wal-Mart) and is very cost effective (about $20 or simply.) However you do
    not to fall out and buy a “smoothie maker” as any blender may possibly possibly have operate
    just very fine.

    Oncee start to get many links from such high quality sites,individual personal site’s
    popularity will increase, and if at all possible notice it in particular site’s Page ranking.

    Thhis is as your site is readily found through the search engines in these popular forumns.

    Once they notice brand name new link, they quickly develop a point to
    go to your neew site, rdndering it your site indexed from your
    search engines in virtuallyy no time.

    There yet another effective technique bring popularity for your website and that
    are being done through link share. Link exchange can result in the good pzge rank
    for web site and can improve the major search engines ranking.

    Another to help get one wway links to be able to post comments on Blogs in your niche.
    Just bbe sure to find blogs that furthermore accept comments but want the ‘No Follow’ attribute turned
    absent from. i.e. if nno follow is on their own Search Engine
    spiders will not follow the connection bback aimed at your
    website. Make sure your comments are constructive,
    ddo not spam the blogs. Can’t stand spam using a passion, mmerely make sure your
    commentys add onn the conversation.

    French Lick Springs Resort Brings Aspire to
    Orange County, Indiaana – Also from September of 2007.

    Over caught my attention becaause I am Larry Bird fan and he lived in French
    Coat. Her article depends upon the town, not Harry!

    For information and facts on tips on how tto resize your Headline tags and correct use of hyperlinks uusing
    Dreamweaver booking outt ourr article ‘Optimizing in Dreamweaver for Dummies’.

  20. Im thankful for the article.Thanks Again. Cool.

  21. Major thankies for the post.Much thanks again. Will read on…

  22. Thanks-a-mundo for the article post. Will read on…

  23. skelbimai uk says:

    Major thankies for the article post.Thanks Again. Will read on…

  24. Thanks-a-mundo for the post.Much thanks again. Really Cool.

  25. penis pump says:

    I loved your blog.Much thanks again. Cool.

  26. pussy pump says:

    Say, you got a nice article post.Thanks Again. Will read on…

  27. Really informative post.Really thank you! Awesome.

  28. I appreciate you sharing this blog post.Really looking forward to read more. Keep writing.

  29. Wһy viewers still makje use of to rеad neeѕ papers whn in this technological globe
    the ᴡhole thing is available ⲟn web? http://yuemanhuaxiang.com/comment/html/?207718.html

  30. We aгe a grouр of voluntеers aand opening a new schemе in our
    community. Your website offered us with valuƅle info to work on. You have done a formidable job and our whole community will be thankful to you. http://web.xorg.cn/comment/html/?135076.html

  31. Thanks a lot for the blog article.Really thank you! Awesome.

  32. read more says:

    Muchos Gracias for your article. Awesome.

  33. 예스벳88 says:

    Dont forgget , that breakfest is realy importen

  34. 손오공 says:

    I really enjoy the post.Really thank you! Want more.

  35. Very good article.Really thank you! Want more.

  36. I really liked your blog article.Really thank you! Really Great.

  37. wow, awesome blog article.Really thank you! Awesome.

  38. Thanks for the post. Much obliged.

  39. film ally says:

    A big thank you for your post.Really thank you! Will read on…

  40. 3 modem says:

    Greetings from Los angeles! I’m bored to tears at work so I
    decided to check out your site on mmy iphhone during lunch break.

    I really like the information you present here and
    can’t wait to take a look when I get home. I’m amazed aat
    how quick your blog loaded on myy cell phone .. I’m not even using WIFI,
    just 3G .. Anyways,excellent blog!

  41. her response says:

    Thanks a lot for the blog.Thanks Again. Will read on…

  42. Thank you for your blog article.Really looking forward to read more. Much obliged.

  43. 바카라 says:

    Love the food calture around the world !

  44. Very neat blog article.Really thank you! Will read on…

  45. A big thank you for your blog article.Thanks Again. Cool.

  46. Major thankies for the post.Thanks Again. Keep writing.

  47. A round of applause for your post.Really looking forward to read more. Great.

  48. Great blog post.Much thanks again. Really Great.

  49. Thanks-a-mundo for the blog post.Really thank you! Really Cool.

  50. Really informative blog article.Much thanks again. Really Cool.

  51. Awesome blog post.Really thank you! Will read on…

  52. wow, awesome article.Really looking forward to read more. Awesome.

  53. Very neat post.Much thanks again. Really Cool.

  54. I value the blog post.Much thanks again. Really Great.

  55. Appreciate you sharing, great article post.Really thank you! Really Cool.

  56. Thanks-a-mundo for the blog post. Cool.

  57. Unquestionably consider that which you stated.
    Your favourite justification seemed to be on the web the simplest thing to take into account of.

    I say to you, I certainly get irked while people consider worries that they plainly
    do not understand about. You controlled to hit the nail upon the
    highest as smartly as defined out the entire thing without having side effect ,
    people can take a signal. Will likely be again to get more.
    Thanks

  58. Wow, great blog article.Thanks Again. Keep writing.

  59. Appreciate you sharing, great blog.Thanks Again. Awesome.

  60. Im obliged for the blog post.Really looking forward to read more.

  61. Thank you ever so for you blog article. Awesome.

  62. Major thanks for the blog article. Much obliged.

  63. I really like and appreciate your blog.Really looking forward to read more. Really Great.

  64. I am so grateful for your article post.Really thank you! Really Great.

  65. I really enjoy the post.Really thank you! Great.

  66. Hey, thanks for the post.Much thanks again. Really Cool.

  67. Very good blog.Thanks Again. Awesome.

  68. 야마토 says:

    Major thanks for the blog post.Much thanks again.

  69. wow, awesome post.Really thank you! Want more.

  70. I loved your article post.Really thank you! Fantastic.

  71. Hey, thanks for the post.Really looking forward to read more. Great.

  72. I cannot thank you enough for the blog.Thanks Again. Cool.

  73. Hey, thanks for the blog article.Thanks Again. Cool.

  74. men says:

    Really enjoyed this blog post.Really looking forward to read more. Really Great.

  75. arnaque says:

    Enjoyed every bit of your blog article.Much thanks again. Much obliged.

  76. Thank you ever so for you blog. Fantastic.

  77. 릴게임 says:

    A big thank you for your post.Thanks Again. Much obliged.

  78. I really like and appreciate your article post.Thanks Again. Want more.

  79. Say, you got a nice blog.Really looking forward to read more. Want more.

  80. homepage says:

    I loved your blog.Really looking forward to read more.

  81. Really appreciate you sharing this blog.Thanks Again. Fantastic.

  82. Major thankies for the blog article.Really thank you! Will read on…

  83. Thanks so much for the article.Really looking forward to read more. Will read on…

  84. I think this is a real great post.Thanks Again. Great.

  85. Mesothelioma says:

    Major thanks for the article.Really looking forward to read more.

  86. Im thankful for the blog article.Thanks Again. Fantastic.

  87. Thanks for the article post.Really thank you! Really Great.

  88. 먹튀검증 says:

    I appreciate you sharing this blog.Really looking forward to read more. Great.

  89. I really liked your article post.Really looking forward to read more. Really Cool.

  90. 사설토토 says:

    Enjoyed every bit of your blog post.Really thank you! Awesome.

  91. 유아미술 says:

    Thanks for sharing, this is a fantastic blog.Really thank you! Cool.

  92. 4F-ADB says:

    Appreciate you sharing, great blog post.Really thank you! Will read on…

  93. Thank you for your blog article. Really Cool.

  94. 먹튀검증 says:

    Appreciate you sharing, great blog post.Really looking forward to read more. Really Great.

  95. Im obliged for the blog.Really looking forward to read more. Really Great.

  96. I truly appreciate this blog. Much obliged.

  97. zorla sex says:

    I cannot thank you enough for the blog.Really looking forward to read more. Will read on…

  98. I loved your blog article.Really looking forward to read more. Will read on…

  99. Great blog article.Really thank you! Cool.

  100. situs Poker says:

    Very nice post. I definitely love this website. Keep it
    up!

  101. sexiest SEO says:

    Looking forward to reading more. Great blog article.Really looking forward to read more. Fantastic.

  102. A big thank you for your article.Really looking forward to read more. Really Cool.

  103. Have you ever considered about adding a little bit
    more than just your articles? I mean, what you
    say is fundamental and everything. Nevertheless just imagine if you added
    some great graphics or video clips to give your posts more,
    “pop”! Your content is excellent but with pics and videos, this site could undeniably be one of the
    best in its field. Awesome blog!

  104. Poker Online says:

    Very good post.Really thank you! Want more.

  105. I truly appreciate this article.Much thanks again. Cool.

  106. I really like and appreciate your blog article.Really thank you! Cool.

  107. Thanks for the blog article.Much thanks again. Great.

  108. Im grateful for the blog. Much obliged.

  109. I truly appreciate this blog article.Really thank you! Really Cool.

  110. Really enjoyed this post.Thanks Again.

  111. Thanks-a-mundo for the blog.Really thank you! Will read on…

  112. jacketzone says:

    This is a great Yes, just go for related niches that have a similar

    jacketzone

  113. Eliza says:

    Thanks for the blog article.Thanks Again. Cool. Pay Weekly Beds

  114. Joseph says:

    Guys i think im on a right place. you have knowledge when it comes on brain. I have a question, do you encounter a split minded person? champagnelady

  115. Lissa says:

    Undoubtedly believe that which you mentioned. Your favorite reason looked like there was on the web the easiest matter to be aware of. Lissa

  116. Darell says:

    It’s an awesome post for all the web users; they will get advantage from it I am sure.

  117. Hi there, constantly i used to check webpage posts here early in the morning, for the reason that
    i like to learn more and more.

  118. Thanks for sharing your thoughts about http://playingmatters.co.uk/. Regards

  119. Thanks for finally talking about > The Lord’s Love
    for Israel – He Reads Truth < Liked it!

  120. thelavell says:

    excellent issues altogether, you just received a new reader.

    What would you suggest in regards to your publish that you simply made a
    few days ago? Any sure?

Leave a Reply to graphic t shirts uk Cancel reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *