The Old Testament is the narrative of how God chose a group of people to be a special showcase to the world of His power and love.  Although He had chosen them, very many turned away from Him, alienating themselves from their privileged position.  On the other hand, God also loved the Gentiles who had not been 'chosen' under the old covenant.  Although the Jews considered them to be aliens, God wanted to bring them into His family (John 10:16).

Hosea's prophecy (Hosea 1:9-10), quoted here, announced God's intention to welcome those who were far away from Him.  That is the message of the gospel (Ephesians 2:13-18).  For the Jews, it was hard to hear; after all, were they not God's special people ... why should He welcome aliens?  And that tension still existed between the Jews and Gentiles who had become believers in Jesus in Rome.  But the Jewish believers should not have been so defensive - it had already been prophesied that God would welcome the alien (Ezekiel 47:23).

In every culture people give preference to those who they would describe as 'their own'.  However, through Christ, God will welcome every 'stranger' who comes to Him.  That is the message of the gospel (www.crosscheck.org.uk).  In a world where so many feel rejected, it is very good news to know that Almighty God offers a warm welcome to all.  He promises the forgiveness of sins, acceptance into His family, peace with God and eternal life to all who come to Him in repentance and faith.

And because God offers His love to people from every culture, we should do the same. The best news we can give them is that Jesus Christ came into the world to save sinners (1 Timothy 1:15).