Why did God choose Israel among all the nations and become their God?
God, who knows all things beforehand, knew Abraham’s heart. He also knew the hearts of his descendants. He knew that Abraham would hold on to His promises, and that his descendants, even through suffering, exile, and dispersion, would continue to hold on to God’s covenant. From this perspective, we can understand God’s choice of Abraham in light of that steadfast faith.
When Jesus was crucified, the soldiers divided His outer garments among themselves. But His tunic was woven in one piece from top to bottom, so instead of tearing it, they cast lots for it. We may also see in this scene a spiritual picture that reminds us of the history of Israel.
The outer garments were divided. Israel itself was divided, and its people were eventually scattered throughout the world. Yet the heart of their faith—the conviction that “the Lord is one”—did not completely disappear. Though they were divided and scattered outwardly, the core of their faith continued.
Israel’s history shows this clearly. At times they turned away from God and worshiped other gods. Their kingdom was divided, and eventually they lost both their nation and their land. In A.D. 70, the Roman army destroyed Jerusalem and the Temple, and the Jewish people became increasingly scattered throughout many nations.
Yet through the centuries, they continued to observe the Sabbath and their festivals, study the Law, gather in synagogues, and preserve the identity that they were descendants of Abraham and a people of God’s covenant. Even after the modern State of Israel was established in 1948, this religious and national identity continued.
Then what kind of heart should I have if I want God truly to be my God?
Psalm 50:15 says, “Call on me in the day of trouble; I will deliver you, and you will honor me.” First Thessalonians 5:16–18 also tells us to rejoice always, pray continually, and give thanks in all circumstances.
There is nothing wrong with looking for a different practical solution when we face a problem. If a business is struggling, we may need to change our strategy. When we are in trouble, we may ask other people for help. The methods we use to solve problems in this world can change.
But changing our methods is very different from changing the direction of our faith.
Faith does not mean seeking God only when life is going well or when we need something from Him. It means calling on Him in times of trouble, remaining thankful in hardship, and refusing to turn our hearts away from Him even when the answer to our prayer does not come quickly.
When difficulties come or the answer we want seems delayed, we should not leave God and begin looking for another god or another spiritual power. God is not one spiritual option among many that we can switch between whenever one seems not to work.
Deuteronomy 6:4 says: “Hear, O Israel: The LORD our God, the LORD is one.”
Jesus also said: “I am the way and the truth and the life. No one comes to the Father except through me.” (John 14:6)
If I want God truly to be my God, then my heart toward Him must not keep changing. Whether I receive an answer or have to wait, whether life is going well or I am passing through trouble, I must continue to hold on to Him. Just as Israel preserved the central conviction that “the Lord is one” through centuries of suffering and dispersion, we too must guard our hearts toward God in every circumstance. Then “God is my God” will become more than something we say. It will become something we actually experience in our lives.
