It is interesting to me as well, to come to a fuller understanding of why the children of Israel were the chosen people and how they lost that privilege.  They were chosen and placed at the crossroads of humanity in their age.  The whole intention was that the children of Israel would be the recipients and the benefactors of God's word to the whold world.  From the center of the then civilization God intended that the Israelites be missionaries sending the gospel to the whole world.  But they decided to keep it to themselves; deny the Messiah when He arrived; and fulfill prophecy by killing Him themselves.

Until today they are waiting for their Messiah to come and wondering why they suffer such tribulations.  But God has removed His blessing from them.  They shunned Him, and He has therefore rejected them. 

The message is to us today as well.  God has chosen us as well - to be His follwers, and therefore His messengers of hope to the world.  If we refuse the responsibility, we will also lose the blessing, just as the children of Israel did. 

Leonda George

Palawan, Philippines