In The Word
Read: Romans 11:25-36
25 For I do not want you, brothers and sisters, to be uninformed of this mystery—so that you will not be wise in your own estimation—that a partial hardening has happened to Israel until the fullness of the Gentiles has come in; 26 and so all Israel will be saved; just as it is written:
“The Deliverer will come from Zion,
He will remove ungodliness from Jacob.”
27 “This is My covenant with them,
When I take away their sins.”
28 In relation to the gospel they are enemies on your account, but in relation to God’s choice they are beloved on account of the fathers; 29 for the gifts and the calling of God are irrevocable. 30 For just as you once were disobedient to God, but now have been shown mercy because of their disobedience, 31 so these also now have been disobedient, that because of the mercy shown to you they also may now be shown mercy. 32 For God has shut up all in disobedience, so that He may show mercy to all.
33 Oh, the depth of the riches, both of the wisdom and knowledge of God! How unsearchable are His judgments and unfathomable His ways! 34 For who has known the mind of the Lord, or who became His counselor? 35 Or who has first given to Him, that it would be paid back to him? 36 For from Him, and through Him, and to 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.