Gramma.--But, brethren, even though Israel be set aside, and even though we rightly

sorrow at such a tragic happening, why should that plunge us into gloom for ourselves?

We were not saved by Israel, but by Israel's Lord.

Alpha.--True, brother, Christ and Christ alone is our rock foundation; upon Him, and

upon Him alone, we rest for our salvation. That is not our problem. It is this. We

learned from the Apostle to discriminate between "doctrine" and "dispensation", between

that salvation which is "in Christ" and the dispensational position and privilege which

was "with faithful Abraham". While we were told we were justified by faith and had

peace and access, yet we were also reminded that we were nevertheless "wild olives"

grafted into the Olive Tree of Israel. While that Olive Tree stood our dispensation

position was known and accepted. But the disquieting news that we have received of

Israel's rejection, together with the cessation of many evidential signs and miracles, seem

to indicate that we can no longer be joined to Israel, nor partakers of the fatness of the

Olive Tree. Our problem is not, Are we still saved? but, Who or what are we? Are we a

distinct company? If so, what is our basis? We possess the Scriptures, and have searched

Moses and the Prophets, and we rejoiced to perceive, that although Israel may fail and be

temporarily set aside, a blessed day of restoration is sure, because God will keep His

covenant with Abraham. But, though we have searched diligently, we can find no word

to tell us what God would do, should Israel not repent, or what position the Gentile

believer would occupy if Israel and its hope be set aside. Therefore unless there be

granted to Paul or to some of us a new revelation, we can have no intelligent conception

of either our calling or our hope.

Beta.--Brethren, if any lack wisdom, let him ask of God; we can at least pray, we still

have access there, and surely it will be well-pleasing to the Lord that we enquire of Him

for light in our present darkness.

We will not transcribe the prayer that followed, but will give the sequel. As Daniel

experienced, so did this little assembly. "While I was speaking in prayer", said Daniel,

the angel came, and while this little company confessed their ignorance and desired

illumination, an "angel", or a "messenger", arrived with a blessed and full answer of

peace. Into the little assembly entered a travel-stained man. His steps were weary, but

his heart was light. He was the harbinger of tidings the equal of which mortal ears had

never heard.

Angelos (The Messenger) speaks: Brethren, lift up your heads! Listen to the tidings I

bring!  Grace has indeed super-abounded, blessings beyond our dreams have been

revealed as ours! The apostle Paul has indeed pronounced the doom of Israel, and, with

their setting aside, the hope and promises belonging to them must go as well. You must

be prepared to lose that you may gain. You must be emptied that you may be filled.

Brethren, never again will the Apostle speak to you of Abraham; never again will he

minister the New Covenant; never again will his hands bring healing to the sick or life to

the dead. These things you must be prepared to forego, but I will not dwell upon the

negative side--let me advance to my real message. God has revealed to Paul that he is

now "The prisoner of Jesus Christ for you Gentiles"; that to him in that new capacity