DAY #239: Romans 11:1-32

Paul reminded his readers of a time when all Israel had deserted God, but God had preserved some for himself. After Elijah’s stunning demonstration of God’s power over Baal’s prophets at Mount Carmel (and the killing of all of Baal’s prophets), Elijah fled for his life from the wrath of Israel’s evil Queen Jezebel who threatened to have him killed.

He ran for many miles and then stopped to rest. In his terror and exhaustion, he cried out to God, “Lord, they have killed your prophets and torn down your altars. I alone am left, and now they are trying to kill me, too.” “They” actually refers to the evil leadership in the northern kingdom of Israel, but Elijah was holding the entire nation responsible for the actions of many. He had concluded that he was the only person left in Israel who believed in God.


God shared some very important information with Elijah, replying that Elijah was not the only one left—God had seven thousand believers who had not turned to idol worship. That was not a large number, but it was a faithful “remnant.” Notice that God reserved these faithful followers for himself—the remnant existed because of his sovereign choice.

Just as God had preserved a few of his people when almost the entire nation had turned to idolatry, so today, God has a few who are being saved as a result of God’s kindness in choosing them. The Jewish believers in this faithful few are proof that God has not rejected his people (2 Kings 19:4, 19). These few, saved by God’s kindness realize that they were not saved by good works. Jews who believe in Christ are not denying their faith or their heritage; instead, they are discovering what these were truly meant to be.

If God’s grace in choosing us depended on our works or obedience to the law, it would not be free and undeserved. “God saved you by his special favor when you believed. And you can’t take credit for this; it is a gift from God. Salvation is not a reward for the good things we have done, so none of us can boast about it” (Ephesians 2:8-9).

Next, Paul quoted from Psalm 69:22-23 (a psalm thought to be prophetic about the suffering of the Messiah). These words of David were originally a curse directed at Israel’s enemies. Paul turns the curse around and points it at the Jews! These blessings should have drawn Israel to God and thus led them to Christ; instead, they became a snare, a trap. Israel’s blessings had led to pride that led them away from God. Thus, not only did they miss the Messiah when he came, but they also persecuted and killed him.

Though we may not grasp all the nuances of Paul extensive argument, his purpose is unmistakable. He wants to give Gentiles every reason possible to welcome their Jewish brothers and sisters in the faith with open arms. At the same time, he wants to help his Jewish brethren reciprocate that welcome. Neither group is to claim supremacy in the church. The message is: God has made room in his family for both of you, so you must get along together.
Uinity should rule our fellowship. That is true today as much as it was 2000 years ago.


SO WHAT? (what will I do with what I have read today?)

How many times do we feel alone? Sometimes we may feel like we're the only ones serving the Lord or we're the only ones serious about the things of God. Today's passage is a good reminder that God always has a remnant of faithful followers - we are not alone. On those days when I throw a pity party for myself, I like to read from 1 Peter 5:6-9 (NIV) -

"Humble yourselves, therefore, under God's mighty hand, that he may lift you up in due time. Cast all your anxiety on him because he cares for you. Be self-controlled and alert. Your enemy the devil prowls around like a roaring lion looking for someone to devour. Resist him, standing firm in the faith, because you know that your brothers throughout the world are undergoing the same kind of sufferings."


The truth is, while I am go through bouts of loneliness, the Lord is always with me. He will never abandon me or reject me.

"Keep your lives free from the love of money and be content with what you have, because God has said, "Never will I leave you; never will I forsake you." Hebrews 13:5 (NIV)

"My sheep listen to my voice; I know them, and they follow me. I give them eternal life, and they shall never perish; no one can snatch them out of my hand. My Father, who has given them to me, is greater than all; no one can snatch them out of my Father's hand. I and the Father are one." John 10:27-30 (NIV)


Lord, be close to folks today who feel the pain of being alone. Make your presence felt in their lives. Remins them of Your promises. Lord, thank you for Your character and Your attributes. I love You Lord.