Scripture Reading(s)
Romans 11:1-2a, 29-32
11:1 I ask, then, has God rejected his people? By no means! I myself am an Israelite, a descendant of Abraham, a member of the tribe of Benjamin.
11:2a God has not rejected his people whom he foreknew.
11:29 For the gifts and the calling of God are irrevocable.
11:30 Just as you were once disobedient to God but have now received mercy because of their disobedience,
11:31 so they have now been disobedient in order that, by the mercy shown to you, they too may now receive mercy.
11:32 For God has imprisoned all in disobedience so that he may be merciful to all.
Reflections
No one is outside the grasp of God’s redemptive plan. Salvation has been made available to all and is still available to this day. Once again we see the addressing of the division between different cultures. The work of the cross has extended both mercy and grace to all who were disobedient and now believe in Him.
Jesus Christ died equally for all people. He did not show favoritism to just one group of individuals. God acted in love towards everyone and as it states in verse 32 “For God has imprisoned all in disobedience so that he may be merciful to all.” That verse has a strong message. It means that we are all sinners and yet we all have the opportunity to experience salvation and the Gospel.
That word “all” brings a whole new meaning and understanding to salvation. It speaks volumes at just how wide and vast the love of God is towards you and I. It is a love that is unconditional, unwavering and steadfast. It is long-term and is something that we have the opportunity to experience each and everyday.
We have covered a few verses this week in the lectionary that would lead one to believe that God has abandoned Israel, in favor of the gentiles. However, lets not put the cart before the horse. God has not abandoned the Israelites. Rather, He has graphed the gentiles into the vine. There is not a replacement but a joining.
The Apostle Paul was aware that many Christians believed that the Jews were replaced by the Christians because of their obedience. In his letter to the romans, Paul attacks this theory aggressively.
“God has not rejected his people whom he foreknew”
God made a covenant with His people. He will not break that covenant, no matter what happens. This is the same dedication that God has for you and I as Christians. Nothing we can do will break up apart from His love for us.