Take Two: Romans 11, Proverbs 18

Romans 11 has to be read a couple of times to start to understand Paul's point. In Ch. 10, we saw that God's Salvation is not limited to a particular people only...but for all peoples who will call on the Lord. This is why in 10:14, Paul says that if they must call (10:13), how can they do that unless someone tells them, they hear, and they believe. The natural question then to arise in the mind of his audience is this: "If Salvation is not for the Jews only (or primarily), does the salvation of Gentiles (the nations) mean that God's "Old Testament" promise of saving Israel (ethnic Israel) has changed somehow?"

V.1, Paul says that God has not forsaken Israel. Even if it appeared that this may be true from a human perspective, God has a remnant of those who He is saving (has reserved) for Himself (vv.2-10).

God's work in saving the nations actually serves (in part) to create a hunger for God among the Jews (v. 11). It is not that God has forsaken Israel...He is drawing them to Himself while also drawing the nations to Himself. Paul develops this belief in vv.12-24. His big picture: If God is merciful toward the Gentiles (the nations), will He not also be merciful toward Israel? Would God state His love for them and His choice for them as His people....show mercy toward the Gentiles...and then reject His own people? Of course not! In fact, as Paul notes, if God is gracious to those who were not of Israel that call on Him...how much grace will He show toward those who were Israel who return and call on Him?

V.25 states that, for the moment, Israel has become hardened toward the truth of Grace...and this may/will continue until the "fullness of the Gentiles"/nations has come in. At that moment, God will turn special attention toward Israel who will turn toward God and all Israel will be saved (v.26-27). Some may question this...as they did in Paul's day. Here is the rationale though...the calling of God (His purpose) is irrevocable (vv.28-29). God has not become angry toward Israel...but is ultimately merciful and gracious (vv.30-32).

In vv.33-36...Paul breaks into a statement of praise (doxology) noting how awesome the mind and heart of God is and how God is worthy of all praise, honor, and glory!

I think about those who think, "I have fallen back from my commitment to God." It may have been years ago when God spoke to your heart and you ran hard and fast away. Yet, God's call has not changed. He did not become angry and withdraw or change His plan for you. This time away has been a time for your heart to become hungry. Now that you realize what is true...it is time to return and fulfill that for which you were called.

Proverbs 18:10-11 is the takeaway for me today. "The name of the Lord is a strong tower; the righteous runs into it and is safe. A rich man's wealth is his strong city, and like a high wall is his own imagination."

When I read this, I think about all of the things we place our trust in for security. We trust in our jobs, our pensions, our health, our money, and our own intellect/wisdom. In our own "imagination" these are worthy things to trust in. We expect that they will be sufficient to care for us and to provide our needs. At the end of the day though...they are only as secure as the circumstances at the moment. For those who find the character (name) of the Lord to be their security, they are truly secure. Their security is not a product of their imagination. No...they are truly secure. They have decided on God's faithfulness, determined to live righteously...and quickly run to God as their source and strength.

Grace,