Don’t put your confidence in powerful people; there is no help for you there. When they breathe their last, they return to the earth, and all their plans die with them. But joyful are those who have the God of Israel as their helper, whose hope is in the LORD their God. [Psalm 146.3-5]
He takes no pleasure in the strength of a horse or in human might. No, the LORD’s delight is in those who fear him, those who put their hope in his unfailing love. [Psalm 147.10-11]
Praise the LORD from the earth, you creatures of the ocean depths, fire and hail, snow and clouds, wind and weather that obey him, mountains and all hills, fruit trees and all cedars, wild animals and all livestock, small scurrying animals and birds, kings of the earth and all people, rulers and judges of the earth, young men and young women, old men and children. Let them all praise the name of the LORD. For his name is very great; his glory towers over the earth and heaven! He has made his people strong, honoring his faithful ones—the people of Israel who are close to him. Praise the LORD! [Psalm 148.7-14]
In Psalm 146.3-5, God is identified as the God "of Israel."
Is Psalm 147.10-11, it says God delights in those who fear Him.
In Psalm 148.7-14, "His faithful ones" ("His people" in other translations) refers to the people of Israel.
The key to understanding the statements above is Jesus Christ. As discussed in Better Sit Down To Read This One, when we see any reference to "Israel," "those who fear Him," or "faithful ones (His people)," we should see Jesus.
IN CHRIST: Jesus' Advent was prophesied long before His birth, and, His arrival would be identified first and foremost through the lineage of Israel. Because "Israel" was that lineage, much ado is made over Israel, and rightly so, for indeed Jesus's birth was accurately revealed through the lineage of Israel. But the implications of "Israel" far surpass the notion of an ethnic or genetic people group!
IN FAITH: The Bible is clear throughout that anyone who would please God must fear Him. The "fear of God" is synonymous with undivided faith in God. The word "fear" is appropriately understood in that committing spiritual adultery by misplaced faith in anything or anyone else is an offence spelled out in no uncertain terms in the 1st Commandment. It is mere rhetoric that "fear," when it comes to God, means "respect." Fearing God means obedient undivided trust in Him alone. Curses (to be afraid of) are the punishment for disobedience (Deuteronomy 28). So, the element of fear is as real as is the punishment for not obeying God by trusting in Him alone.
Moving on, there seems then to be a disconnect when the inclusiveness indicated by "anyone" (as discussed above - those who fear God) is compared to the exclusivity of "Israel" in whom God delights. How can anyone else "rate" in God's eyes when Israel is declared His "Chosen People?" This question leads us to an exciting answer...
IN ISRAEL: "Israel" is clearly identified in Psalm 148.7-14 as God's "faithful ones" ("His people"). Faith bridges the disconnect between the exclusivity of "Israel," a genetic nation, and the inclusivity of "those who fear God," a spiritual nation open to any believer. The "family of faith" in Christ is Israel. Every believer in Christ is in Israel inasmuch as Christ is in Israel!
So, when we read the Old Testament and see all the attention given to Israel, we should understand that Israel points to Jesus and Jesus includes us! It is not incorrect then to conclude that "God's Chosen People" includes every person found in faith in the coming Messiah or Christ the risen Savior - because they are one and the same.
Father, I know my understanding of this topic is only just beginning. Keep me from error, but help me to see Truth!
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