These, [the election promises of Isaiah 49:3-6, Psalm 67:1–3, Romans 9:4–5] in the mind of a first century Jew, make up the blessing of being a chosen people. All these elements mediated the nation’s nearness to God. A nearness that they were ultimately called to invite the nations back to.

Yet, they didn’t always steward the blessing in a way that was honoring to the God of Israel. It is here that we find the paradox that being chosen is both a blessing and a burden. Those things that the other nations can get away with, Israel cannot. Turns out, being in an eternal covenant and having an irrevocable calling from the God of Israel is no walk in the park. Being a holy people and stewards of the holy things compels holy behavior. That is, it requires behavior that is different and unique to the way the rest of the nations function. The uniqueness of the God of Israel from the gods of the nations should be reflected in Israel’s uniqueness from the nations around them. The way that the nations behave has never been an acceptable path for the Jewish people. It is a heavy calling and there is no opt-out option for the Jew. Again, it is irrevocable. - Bill Scofield, The Irrevocable Blessing & Burden of Election