Monday, May 31, 2010

Romans 11 DEVO: Israel's Unbelief

Chapter 11:
This can be a very confusing chapter. The problem with talking in generalities is just that – it’s generally true but not always. We’ve been reading about the nation of Israel, the Jews, rejecting Jesus as Messiah. But in the first 10 verses of this chapter we read and are reminded that NOT ALL Jews have rejected Jesus as Messiah! Just like God’s response to Elijah, Paul writes of Israel, “So too, at the present time there is a remnant chosen by grace.”
“Again I ask: Did they stumble so as to fall beyond recovery? Not at all! Rather, because of their transgression, salvation has come to the Gentiles…”
As a “non-Jew”, I am grateful to the Jewish people for rejecting Jesus because it led to MY salvation! I’ve been added in! Verse 23 is a reminder of the grace, kindness and sternness of God: “Consider therefore the kindness and sternness of God: sternness to those who fell, but kindness to you, provided that you continue in his kindness. Otherwise, you also will be cut off.”
Then comes verse 26 – “And so all Israel will be saved…” Huh? What does this mean? I believe it is this: God chose the nation of Israel and He has never rejected it. God also the church, through Jesus Christ, and He will never reject them (most of us) either. This doesn’t mean that all Jews and all people who go to church are saved. It is possible to belong to nation or a church and never have responded in faith. God doesn’t stop working with Israel or the church because some rejected, “for God's gifts and his call are irrevocable.” God’s mercy is amazing! And as a result, Paul breaks out into a doxology, a song of praise!
Oh, the depth of the riches of the wisdom and knowledge of God!
How unsearchable his judgments,
and his paths beyond tracing out!
"Who has known the mind of the Lord?
Or who has been his counselor?"[j]
"Who has ever given to God,
that God should repay him?"[k]
For from him and through him and to him are all things.
To him be the glory forever! Amen.

SO WHAT?!
*Ever been disobedient to God? Me too……and most of the time! I am soooooo grateful for God’s mercy – that He doesn’t give me what I deserve = the death penalty for my sin! Take a moment today and thank God for His incredible mercy!
* Never forget that we cannot stumble beyond recovery! God is always willing to accept any sinner who comes to Him in faith seeking forgiveness, mercy & grace!

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