Romans 9

“This means that it is not the children of the flesh who are the children of God, but the children of the promise are counted as offspring” (v8).  God wanted to demonstrate His grace through His promise to Abraham. Therefore, the Israelites were descendants of the miracle baby, Isaac, and the second-born son, Jacob, overturning the inheritance laws of the ancient world. God’s people received His blessings as a surprising gift, not a reward and not according to earthly traditions.

“Those who were not my people I will call ‘my people,’ and her who was not beloved I will call ‘beloved’” (v26).  We all, Jews and Gentiles together, become God’s “beloved” when we receive His amazing grace poured out in Jesus.