Romans 11
Now if their trespass means riches for the world, and if their failure means riches for the Gentiles, how much more will their full inclusion mean! – Romans 11:12
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In the book of Numbers so far, we have seen God’s judgment upon the Israelites for their disobedience and rebellion. Yet in Numbers 22–25, we see His grace and covenantal faithfulness. Though Balaam intended to curse Israel, God did not allow it, but instead turned the curse into blessing. In doing so, He reveals His unchanging covenant love for His people.
In Romans 11, Paul helps us see how this same covenant love unfolds in God’s plan of salvation. When Jesus came, He did not meet the Jews’ expectations of a political and powerful Messiah. Though they witnessed His signs and wonders, many still rejected Him. In their hardness of heart, they rejected the gospel of Jesus Christ, and as a result, the message of salvation went out to the Gentiles, who received it with openness and faith.
Yet Paul makes it clear that this was no accident, but the wisdom of God at work. Through Israel’s rejection, salvation has come to the Gentiles. And when the full number of the Gentiles has come in, Israel too will turn back to Christ. God has not rejected His people. In His covenant faithfulness, He will yet show them mercy.
Even as Paul grieves over his fellow Jews who have rejected God’s Son, he does not lose hope. He trusts in God’s covenant faithfulness and sees in this a glimpse of God’s mysterious yet glorious plan. God remains faithful to His covenant people, and He is wise in bringing about salvation to the nations through the preaching of the gospel.
Today, we are invited to pray for both Jews and Gentiles, trusting in a God who is faithful, wise and full of grace. And He will accomplish His saving purposes in His time.
Reflection:
When I think about my parents, family members, relatives, friends, and neighbours who have not yet believed in the Lord, do I still carry a burden for them? Or have I quietly concluded that they will never come to faith? What is the Holy Spirit prompting me to do today?
Prayer:
Heavenly Father God, thank You that You are a God of grace and Your steadfast love never fails. You remain faithful to Your promises to Your people Israel, and through Your Son, Jesus Christ, You have extended salvation to the world. Through Him, we are brought into Your eternal kingdom and made part of Your saving purposes. Help us, Lord, to trust in Your faithfulness and to live as faithful witnesses of Your grace. In Jesus’ name we pray. Amen.
Click to read passage
In the book of Numbers so far, we have seen God’s judgment upon the Israelites for their disobedience and rebellion. Yet in Numbers 22–25, we see His grace and covenantal faithfulness. Though Balaam intended to curse Israel, God did not allow it, but instead turned the curse into blessing. In doing so, He reveals His unchanging covenant love for His people.
In Romans 11, Paul helps us see how this same covenant love unfolds in God’s plan of salvation. When Jesus came, He did not meet the Jews’ expectations of a political and powerful Messiah. Though they witnessed His signs and wonders, many still rejected Him. In their hardness of heart, they rejected the gospel of Jesus Christ, and as a result, the message of salvation went out to the Gentiles, who received it with openness and faith.
Yet Paul makes it clear that this was no accident, but the wisdom of God at work. Through Israel’s rejection, salvation has come to the Gentiles. And when the full number of the Gentiles has come in, Israel too will turn back to Christ. God has not rejected His people. In His covenant faithfulness, He will yet show them mercy.
Even as Paul grieves over his fellow Jews who have rejected God’s Son, he does not lose hope. He trusts in God’s covenant faithfulness and sees in this a glimpse of God’s mysterious yet glorious plan. God remains faithful to His covenant people, and He is wise in bringing about salvation to the nations through the preaching of the gospel.
Today, we are invited to pray for both Jews and Gentiles, trusting in a God who is faithful, wise and full of grace. And He will accomplish His saving purposes in His time.
Reflection:
When I think about my parents, family members, relatives, friends, and neighbours who have not yet believed in the Lord, do I still carry a burden for them? Or have I quietly concluded that they will never come to faith? What is the Holy Spirit prompting me to do today?
Prayer:
Heavenly Father God, thank You that You are a God of grace and Your steadfast love never fails. You remain faithful to Your promises to Your people Israel, and through Your Son, Jesus Christ, You have extended salvation to the world. Through Him, we are brought into Your eternal kingdom and made part of Your saving purposes. Help us, Lord, to trust in Your faithfulness and to live as faithful witnesses of Your grace. In Jesus’ name we pray. Amen.