Here is a personal claim—and one that demands proof! The apostle knew his claim was indisputable, but there are many who claim to belong to the Israel of God who have no right to the title.

If you're declaring with confidence, "So am I also an Israelite," stop first. Search your heart as in the presence of God. But if you can give proof that you are following Jesus—if from the heart you can say, "I trust him wholly, trust him only, trust him simply, trust him now, and trust him ever"—then the position which the saints of God hold belongs to you! All their enjoyments are your possessions!

You may be the very least in Israel, "less than the least of all saints," yet since the mercies of God belong to the saints as saints, and not as advanced saints, or well-taught saints, you may put in your plea and say, "Are they Israelites? So am I! Therefore the promises are mine, grace is mine, glory will be mine!"

The claim, rightfully made, is one which will yield untold comfort. When God's people are rejoicing that they are his, what a happiness if you can say, "So am I!" When they speak of being pardoned, and justified, and accepted in the Beloved, how joyful to respond, "Through the grace of God, so am I!"

But this claim has not only its enjoyments and privileges, but also its conditions and duties. We must share with God's people in cloud as well as in sunshine. When we hear them spoken of with contempt and ridicule for being Christians, we must come boldly forward and say, "So am I!" When we see them working for Christ, giving their time, their talent, their whole heart to Jesus, we must be able to say, "So do I!"

O let us prove our gratitude by our devotion, and live as those who, having claimed a privilege, are willing to take the responsibility connected with it!