You may have heard the words, "You have been promoted," or "You have been elected president." You may recall opening a letter for which you had waited and reading the words, "We would like to offer you the position...."

Anyone chosen for a special honor learns quickly that it has both its delightful and burdensome aspects. Just ask someone who has taken on a new and more responsible position, and you will hear more than rejoicing about higher salaries or benefits. Sleepless nights and new decisions await the one promoted.

Out of the welter of Near Eastern tribes, the Hebrew people were chosen as the witnesses to Jesus’ birth, ministry, death and resurrection. Israel was the land of salvation, elected before anyone even knew what that fully meant. The Israelites were comprehended by the a…