Within and Without

Paul, in Romans Chapter 9, discusses how God views Israel according to the flesh, as contrasted to the Gentiles. He states that the Israelites are very specially favored people, specifically chosen by God. They hold deep historical and religious significance to God. Israel, according to the flesh, was the channel by which Jesus the Messiah was given to the world. However, Paul anguished over his fellow countrymen who did not, for now, believe in and accept the messiahship of Jesus Christ. God has revealed that the issue is not just a matter of race but of grace. Christ died for all mankind - those "without" and those "within." God has now offered a calling to those without, according to His sovereign will. We must respond to that calling by belief and by doing, based on faith in Jesus Christ. We should humbly look closely at ourselves, many of whom were without and whom now God has brought within, and be a light and example to those still without.