Why were Israelites the Chosen People?

It is impossible to know God. If it were, we ourselves would be God. Again and again, we come across difficult questions about God's actions. Again and again, after working very hard to find an acceptable explanation, we throw up our hands and humbly accept the fact that God is a mystery. Yet, God is not unknowable because through the Bible, we are able to get a glimpse of the mind of God, however tiny a portion it may be.
When I was young, I wondered why God elected the Israelites the Chosen People. Naturally, I asked why God didn't choose us Chinese. I tried to find the answers from priests. But most of them would say that it was a mystery. Throughout my years as a Catholic, I search the Bible for an answer. Of course, I believe in the existence of God and that the Bible embodies the truth of God. For atheists, you may stop reading the following and visit other webpages. If you continue, bear me for a while and share with me the reflection on the reading today, Isaiah 49.
We Chinese are a huge nation. At present, we make up one fifth of the world population. This enormous size disqualifies us.
It was not because you were more in number than any other people that the LORD set his love upon you and chose you, for you were the fewest of all peoples (Deuteronomy 7:7).
God needs an entry point into the human history to unfold His redemption of mankind. We have a part to play in order to obtain this redemption. Yet, God needs only a small people to cooperate with Him in His salvation mission, lest that people will become proud of the achievements. Though we have a part to play, we cannot save ourselves through our own efforts alone. God took the initiative and we follow His will. Of course, we are no dummies and God would not work with puppets. This Chosen People must be tough and smart enough to work in concerted effort with God so that the salvation mission may follow through. The Israelites have been tough and smart enough, even to rebel against God! Israel was conquered and the Israelites were exiled throughout the world. In this process, Abrahamic monotheism is spread throughout the world. First we have Judaism running the first leg, then Christianity and Islam take over the baton.
he says: "It is too light a thing that you should be my servant to raise up the tribes of Jacob and to restore the preserved of Israel; I will give you as a light to the nations, that my salvation may reach to the end of the earth." (Isaiah 49:6)
Redemption is not an exclusive privilege for the Chosen People. Redemption is for all nations. God's salvation is to reach to the end of the earth.
Thus says the LORD: "In a time of favor I have answered you, in a day of salvation I have helped you; I have kept you and given you as a covenant to the people, to establish the land, to apportion the desolate heritages;
saying to the prisoners, 'Come forth,' to those who are in darkness, 'Appear.' (Isaiah 49:8-9a)
Redemption is the freedom from sins, the liberation of sinners from their bondage. People who are hidden in darkness because of their sins may emerge and appear before all clean. The Chosen People are the witnesses and the covenant. They have made it. So can all the people. Together, the Chosen People and the rest of the people can establish the land which has been exploited and exhausted by our greed and sinfulness. Let us build heaven on earth.
Sing for joy, O heavens, and exult, O earth; break forth, O mountains, into singing! For the LORD has comforted his people, and will have compassion on his afflicted (Isaiah 49:13).
There will be no more hunger nor thirst, no more sufferings from natural disasters and human conflicts. God will comfort us and wipe away our tears.
They shall hunger no more, neither thirst any more; the sun shall not strike them, nor any scorching heat.
For the Lamb in the midst of the throne will be their shepherd, and he will guide them to springs of living water; and God will wipe away every tear from their eyes (Revelation 7:16-17).
The Lamb will be crucified for us on Friday. On the third day, he will rise again in triumph to restore our life. We earnestly prepare to celebrate Easter.

My God, we are honoured to be chosen by You. Let us sincerely fulfill our mission to bring forth Your Kingdom of Peace on earth. May we treat each one we meet kindly so that they may share a taste of Your sweetness. Amen.