I am one of many peaceful, loyal people in this town. You are trying to destroy an important city of Israel. Why do you want to destroy something that belongs to the Lord?”
God, you chose your people.\par You chose us to come to your temple\par and worship you.\par And we are very happy!\par We have all the wonderful things\par in your temple, your holy palace.\par
“Lord, if you are pleased with me, then please go with us. I know that these are stubborn people. But forgive us for the bad things we did! Accept us as your people.”
Don’t worry, I am with you.\par Don’t be afraid, I am your God.\par I will make you strong.\par I will help you.\par I will support you with my good\par right hand.\par
But Jacob’s God {\cf2\super [83]} is not like those idols.\par God made everything.\par And Israel is the family that God chose to be his own people.\par God’s name is “Lord All-Powerful.”\par
You did not choose me; I chose you. And I gave you this work: to go and make fruit. I want this fruit to continue \{in your life\}. Then the Father will give you anything you ask for in my name.
Israel, you are blessed.
No other nation is like you.
The Lord saved you.
The Lord is like a strong shield protecting you.
The Lord is like a powerful sword.
Your enemies will be afraid of you.
And you will trample their holy places!”
He gave himself for us. He died to free us from all evil. He died to make us pure people that belong only to him—people that are always wanting to do good things.
But you are chosen people. You are the King’s priests. You are a holy {\cf2\super [20]} nation of people. You are people who belong to God. God chose you to tell about the wonderful things he has done. He called (brought) you out of darkness (sin) into his wonderful light.