This afternoon, I continued my study of Romans. Using my commentary - Exalting Jesus in Romans (eBook) - I started chapter fifteen From Theology to Doxology, which covers Romans 11. My focus today is Romans 11:11-32, which my commentary refers to under the heading God Will Continue Working Out His Saving Purposes in the Future. In these verses, Paul moves from examining the question of whether God's Word failed or not (it did not!), to what WAS the purpose of saving only a Jewish remnant. Paul states that Jewish rejection of Jesus or unbelief led to the Gospel going to the Gentiles, leading to jealousy on the part of the Jews (v11:11). He goes on to state that if Jewish unbelief or "rejection means the reconciliation of the world, what will their acceptance mean but life from the dead" (v11:15). He warns the Gentiles not to be arrogant or proud to the Jews (v11:18, 20, 25), but instead to "fear" (v11:20) and scripture elsewhere seeks for believers to be a light. Paul quotes Isaiah 59:20 to show how it was God's design and plan all long to save only a Jewish remnant initially, then to save the Gentiles but for the Jews to always be "grafted" back in again should they "not continue in their unbelief" (v11:23).
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My Prayer: Lord Jesus, You are an amazing God who loves me and who is full of mercy and compassion on me - thank You Jesus! I am not deserving of such mercy. My sin of worry and other sins continues. 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 messages for me today and every day.
