In The Word
Read: Romans 11:25-36
All Israel Will Be Saved
25 I do not want you to be ignorant of this mystery, brothers and sisters, so that you may not be conceited: Israel has experienced a hardening in part until the full number of the Gentiles has come in, 26 and in this way all Israel will be saved. As it is written:
“The deliverer will come from Zion;
he will turn godlessness away from Jacob.
27 And this is my covenant with them
when I take away their sins.”
28 As far as the gospel is concerned, they are enemies for your sake; but as far as election is concerned, they are loved on account of the patriarchs, 29 for God’s gifts and his call are irrevocable. 30 Just as you who were at one time disobedient to God have now received mercy as a result of their disobedience, 31 so they too have now become disobedient in order that they too may now receive mercy as a result of God’s mercy to you. 32 For God has bound everyone over to disobedience so that he may have mercy on them all.
Doxology
33 Oh, the depth of the riches of the wisdom and knowledge of God!
How unsearchable his judgments,
and his paths beyond tracing out!
34 “Who has known the mind of the Lord?
Or who has been his counselor?”
35 “Who has ever given to God,
that God should repay them?”
36 For from him and through him and for him are all things.
To him be the glory forever! Amen.
New American Standard Bible (NASB) Copyright © 1960, 1962, 1963, 1968, 1971, 1972, 1973, 1975, 1977, 1995 by The Lockman Foundation
Walking In The Word
Paul continued to talk about the covenant that God made with the Jews. He wrapped up the discussion by stating how we can’t fully understand His judgments and His ways for they are unfathomable. This statement in verses 34 and 35 really puts it in perspective as the rhetorical question is asked, “For who has known the mind of the Lord, or who became his counselor? Or who has first given to Him that it might be paid back to Him again?” God is not in debt to us. God is sovereign in all His ways and doesn’t answer to us for His decisions or actions; there is no unrighteousness in Him (Job 23:13, 33:13).
All of this puts into perspective that our Father truly gave salvation to us out of divine love. It pleased the Father to send His only son Jesus Christ to be born to end this life’s suffering at the hands of those He died for. Then on top of all His physical suffering, Jesus took on spiritual suffering by taking up the past, present, and future sins of the world.
Today, take time to remember and reflect on this divine love that has been freely given to you. You are not cast off forever, but mercy from God is remembered in the midst of His wrath. If you have not given your life to Jesus Christ, then let the Holy Spirit today deal with your heart and let His kindness lead you to repentance.