April 9, Romans 11
In today’s portion, Paul asked and answered the question that looms above Israel’s rejection of the gospel and salvation by grace through faith. If the Jews are rejecting the gospel of Christ, and Gentiles who accept it are being called God’s people, has God in his sovereignty rejected his people Israel? Paul’s emphatic answer is “No!” Paul explained that God elected a remnant of Israel who will be saved by grace as surely as the Gentiles, and on the same basis. He made his argument by asking rhetorical questions, citing Israel’s history, applying principles from psychology and botany and quoting prophecy.
Paul used questions again to draw his readers to the place where they could grasp and accept his arguments. He asked five or six questions and quoted a couple of others posed by Isaiah. Some of Paul’s questions remind the readers of what they already know. Others synthesize what they know and what he’s telling them to build understanding. We get the doctrinal lesson, along with another demonstration of this master teacher’s technique.
Paul reminded us the Jews’ current rejection of the gospel was not the only time they had been at odds with God’s will. In the days of Elijah, the nation had forsaken God and was consumed with idolatry. But even then, God reminded Elijah there was a remnant that had not bowed before Baal.
Jealousy is a powerful motivator. We usually think of it in its negative, destructive form. But Paul said God included Gentiles in his plan to provoke the Jews to jealousy, and spur them to accept Christ. He balanced that with a warning to the included Gentiles: “Do not become proud, but stand in awe.” As the true Master Gardener, God had cut off the natural olive branches (Israel) to graft in the wild shoots (Gentiles). He reminded them that faith, not merit, was the basis of their inclusion. The comedian Bill Cosby used to warn his kids, “I brought you into this word, and I can take you out!” He was being funny, but Paul was being serious. God can bring in those who believe and
remove those who do not continue in faith. No branch can boast!
We’ve already seen how much Israel’s hard-hearted rejection of the gospel bothered Paul. I suspect Paul’s own spirit was soothed by Isaiah’s prophecy that Jacob’s (Israel’s) sins would be taken away when the Deliverer came. By God’s own design, the Jews’ hardening opened the door for the Gentiles, and the Gentiles’ inclusion would bring Israel back.
Let’s not be alarmed if we lack perfect clarity about this deep teaching. After the explanation, Paul exclaimed, “Oh, the depth of the wisdom and knowledge of God! How unsearchable are his judgments and how inscrutable his ways!” I still have questions. I’m going to keep studying and pondering. But I am grateful that our standing with God in Christ is neither attained nor secured by full understanding, but rather by trusting faith.
From The Abiding Companion: A Friendly
Guide for Your Journey Through the New
Testament, Copyright © 2010 by Michael B.
McElroy. Used by permission. All rights
reserved.
Today in God's Word—April 2024
East Tallassee Church of Christ
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