Portion 6 – Romans 9:6-16

Submitted by: Elder J. Smith

Related Scriptures: Genesis 25: 19-28 & Malachi 1:1-2:7

Here, Paul brings us back to the substance of what it means to be “the LORD’s chosen people”.  Israel means those in whom G-d prevails.  This is not about a physical location or human lineage.  Having an identity in Israel has always been about belonging to and serving the LORD, the G-d of Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob (Deuteronmy 29:10-13).  A Jew is not only one outwardly, but is one who is inwardly a Jew in character and spirit; and this is to the glory of G-d (Romans 2:28-29).  In verse 8 of Romans 9 it says,

“In other words, it is not the physical children who are children of God, but the children the promise refers to who are considered seed.”

The seed first and foremost refers to Jesus Christ (Galatians 3:16).  The promise that the children of G-d receive is the Holy Spirit (Galatians 3:14).  Therefore, the children of the LORD are only those distinguished by the Holy Spirit as being of the character and image of their Lord Jesus.  So what is the spirit as G-d’s children that we should have, and what is not?  A picture was given in Jacob and Esau.  Genesis 25:27 says,

“The boys grew; and Esau became a skillful hunter, an outdoorsman; while Jacob
was a quiet man who stayed in the tents.”

Here Jacob being a quiet man and dwelling in tents means that his character and spirit is one of resting in the LORD.  He fears the LORD, is consumed by the Holy Spirit, and wastes himself on the LORD.  As one who abides in G-d’s radiant glory, he judges his actions and is repentant to the LORD.  The opposite character of Esau is one without fear, care, or thought for the LORD.  He lives only by what he perceives through his 5 senses.  He seeks spiritual allegiance with others who are unrestrained and inhumane.  He is arrogant and consumed with himself.  He ultimately seeks to take the provision and blessing of the LORD while seeking to control and oppress others through deception and lies.  Where is your spiritual allegiance?  As repentant believers who have been redeemed with a new heart, who belong to Jesus, and have been born from the Spirit, we live our lives governed by the Holy Spirit and perceive reality from His perspective (John 3:4-8).  How wonderful it is for us to be a part of Israel, to be Christians, and to participate in the feasts and blessings of the LORD.  But we must not lose sight that the purpose of these is to bring us to the LORD, to worship Him, obey Him, to be known by Him, and to be a reflection of His character and Spirit (Galatians 3:3-5).