The Call to All  

     God had spent some 15 centuries of human time - maybe 15 days as he might count it - to this point.

     It will be difficult for Jews, especially the rulers, to accept change. They are loved, but many cannot accept the turning point of history ... the holy of holies opened to Gentiles. B.C. to A.D. 

God so loved the world that he gave his one and only Son, that

whoever believes in him shall not perish but have eternal life.

     Arguments ensue. Stephen is stoned to death. Believers must flee - bad - and begin to take the news to the world - good! There are Jewish converts. They insist Gentiles follow Jewish customs. 

     God calls his narrow road the "Way." Jesus had said, I am the way, the truth and the life. 

     The temple curtain miraculously ripped from top to bottom, opening the inner sanctuary - God's presence - to all who repent and humbly seek the Savior. Come...for I will give you rest. 

     God still loves the children of Abraham. Amos, chapter 9: 

     "Surely the eyes of the Sovereign Lord are on the sinful kingdom ... yet I will not totally destroy the house of Jacob," declares the Lord.    "In that day, I will restore David's fallen tent..." 

     Romans, chapter 11:

     Did God reject his people? By no means! I (Paul) am an Israelite myself, a descendant of Abraham, from the tribe of Benjamin. God did not reject his people, whom he foreknew. ...there is a remnant chosen by grace. And if by grace, then it is no longer by works. What Israel sought so earnestly it did not obtain...

     Again I ask, Did they stumble so as to fall beyond recovery? Not at all! Rather, because of their transgressions, salvation has come to the Gentiles to make Israel envious. But if their transgression means riches for the world, and their loss means riches for the Gentiles, how much greater will their fullness bring? 

Tomorrow: Unlikely servant