Today, Monday March 01
Romans 9-11 – What About Israel?
One of the biggest questions that probably received the most discussion, and yes sometimes, generated the most heated arguments, when I was in Bible College, was about how to reconcile the sovereignty of God and the free will of man. It is obvious that both of these doctrines are taught throughout the Bible.
Paul is dealing with the question, “Is God unrighteous because He chose Jacob (Israel), over Esau?” Is God unrighteous because He chose the nation of Israel to give us the Bible, to give us the Christ and now it appears that God has rejected them? Paul answers with a big, “Certainly not”!
When you read and study through these chapters you will see how in Romans 9, the emphasis is on Israel’s past election. In chapter 10, the emphasis is on Israel’s rejection and the reason for it. And in chapter 11, the emphasis is on Israel's future restoration. Israel is the only nation in the world with a complete history—past, present, and future.
Remember, the Church, in a sense is a new thing, and it is inclusive, in that now, both Jews and Gentiles are part of God’s plan to bring the good news of salvation and the Kingdom of God to all the nations of the earth. So what about Israel? Has God forsaken Israel and broken His covenant with them? And if he did that, can we trust Him to keep His promises to the Church? The character of God is in question here.
So, here in chapter 9, Paul defended the character of God by showing that Israel's past history actually magnified the attributes of God. He specifically named four attributes of God: His faithfulness (vs. 1-13), His righteousness (vs. 14-18), His justice (vs. 19-29), and His grace (vs. 30-33).
Honestly, I’m so thankful I don’t have to figure all this out to enjoy the salvation that God has provided for anyone and for all who “call on His name” (Romans 10:9-13). Actually, Paul concludes all three of these chapters with these verses: Romans 11:33-36 “Oh, the depth of the riches both of the wisdom and knowledge of God! How unsearchable are His judgments and His ways past finding out! "For who has known the mind of the LORD? Or who has become His counselor?" "Or who has first given to Him, and it shall be repaid to him?" For of Him and through Him and to Him are all things, to whom be glory forever. Amen.
Today, simply believe, trust, obey and enjoy God’s great love and salvation He has provided for us through Jesus Christ! Amen!
God bless!
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