And the words of the Lord are flawless, like silver purified in a crucible, like gold refined seven times....Every word of God is flawless; he is a shield to those who take refuge in him. Do not add to his words, or he will rebuke you and prove you a liar.

Romans 9

And the words of the Lord are flawless, like silver purified in a crucible, like gold refined seven times....Every word of God is flawless; he is a shield to those who take refuge in him. Do not add to his words, or he will rebuke you and prove you a liar. Psalm 12:6, Proverbs 30:5-6

This morning, I continued my study of Romans.  Using my commentary - Exalting Jesus in Romans (eBook) - I started chapter thirteen God's Word Has Not Failed, which covers Romans 9:1-29.  My focus today is Romans 9:24-29, which my commentary refers to under the heading Truth 4: God's Promises Include Many Gentiles and a Jewish Remnant.  Picking up where he left off in my reading yesterday, where Paul states in v23 that God had a plan to "make known the riches of his glory for vessels of mercy," stating that this plan included both Jews and Gentiles. Paul quotes Hosea (v25-26) and Isaiah (v27) to make his point. Jonah was also another Old Testament prophet sent to save a Gentile people - Nineveh.  So, Paul continues to make the case how although he is saddened by Jewish unbelievers (v9:2), God's promise for the Jews as a chosen people is fulfilled and God's Word does not fail. Once again, as previously posted, God does not promise to save every Jew - only a remnant (v27) and it was always part of God's plan to save from among every nation - Jews and Gentiles alike. Also, the key takeaway is that salvation is not due to birth, ethnicity, or to anything you do - it relies on grace alone. 

As my commentary reflects back on chapter 9 as a whole, it provides six exhortations:

1. share Paul's burdens for unbelievers
2. never doubt God's Word
3. embrace the mystery of God's sovereignty and human responsibility
4. allow the vision of God's sovereignty to increase your faith
5. bow down before God's majesty
6. never get over the wonder of God's saving mercy and grace
   

Comment and discuss this post.

My Prayer: Lord Jesus, You are majestic indeed - and again I have seen and continue to see Your glory daily - in my life and in the life of others.  I also see it in creation, etc. You bless me each morning with new mercies and with so much more - I am not deserving of how You bless me.  I worry - that I worry at all is sinful and I worry too much!  Please forgive me Jesus and help me overcome and turn from my sin towards You.  Help me love You with all of my heart, soul and mind and love others as You love me.  Help me grow in my faith.  Give Lisa and myself wisdom and strength.  Please heal Lisa of her cancer and from the side effects of chemo.  Help us lead Zach and Dustin to You Jesus and for them to choose You as their Lord and Savior.  Please provide Godly friends and spouses to Zach and Dustin.  Help me serve You, my family, my church, and others.  Help me understand, be obedient to, and apply Your message for me today and every day.