SCRIPTURE: Romans 11
OBSERVATION/APPLICATION:
“At that time Jesus said, ‘I praise you, Father, Lord of heaven and earth, because you have hidden these things from the wise and learned, and revealed them to little children.’” [Matthew 11:25]
Apparently God chooses to bypass the proud and work with the humble and lowly.
At one time, this is what the people of Israel was; but with God’s favour, they became proud and forgot that it was God’s mercy that established them.
Instead of trusting (believing in) God, they trusted (believed in) themselves.
This was the unbelief, according to Paul, that lost them their place with God.
Paul is eager to share the message with the Gentiles because he hopes that the blessings associated with their salvation will convict and arouse the Jews to accept Jesus too.
Though he is a missionary to non-Jews, he is motivated by a love for his Jewish people.
He looks forward to the day when they finally see the light of Jesus, and join the flock.
And this day will come, God promised it would [Romans 11:26-27].
This is God’s way. But it’s not because He hates the wise and learned – and proud and self-reliant.
It’s because they can’t be helped as long as they refuse to seek and receive that help.
The lowly are lifted up and the proud humbled because God cannot bless pride.
He does what He does to humble us, so that He can help us.
Think of when an alcoholic’s family does an intervention; though it is very humbling, in the end it is the only way she can see that she needs help.
“For God has bound all men over to disobedience so that he may have mercy on them all.” [Romans 11:32]
Jesus praises God for the wisdom in this.
So does Paul.
He finishes his reflection on the mysterious situation with the Jews (the people of the promise rejecting the promise???).
It’s all part of the plan, it all fits.
It’s His way of humbling the proud and lifting the lowly.
He did it then, He will do it now.
We cannot be helped until we are willing to get on our knees, admit our failure and inability to please God, and our need for help.
When we do, He gladly kneels beside us and helps us up.
“Oh, the depth of the riches of the wisdom and knowledge of God! How unsearchable his judgments, and his paths beyond tracing out! ‘Who has known the mind of the Lord? Or who has been his counselor? Who has ever given to God, that God should repay him?’ For from him and through him and to him are all things. To him be the glory forever! Amen. [Romans 11:33-36]
PRAYER:
Lord, thank You for Your humbling, overwhelming, amazing grace!
Ingrafted.
Ingrafted to the tree of life which is Christ Jesus. Being ingrafted brings life and brings fruit. And if the branch does not bear the fruit it will be cut off and a new branch grafted in to bear fruit.
God’s people must be fruit bearers. They are His kingdom workers. However, if their work does not define them, they are not part of the family. Being part of the family must be evident by the fruit.
All too often we have eyes that do not see; ears that do not hear. God’s people have become a stumbling block rather than a stepping stone. Therefore God prunes and ingrafts so that the fruit may abound. That ingrafting is for all. Those ingrafted must bear fruit to show the world they are for Jesus. Our lives need to be living letters that others desire to be part of the family – part of the vine – to be ingrafted.
Life is only a possibility in Christ Jesus. What a gift! What a Saviour! Saved by grace.
1. God gives His people strength.
If we believe in His way, He’s swift to repay
All those who bear the burden of the day
God gives His people strength.
2. God gives His people hope
If we but trust in His word, our prayers are always heard
He warmly welcomes anyone who’s erred.
God gives His people hope.
3. God gives His people love
If we but open wide our hearts, He’s sure to do His part
He’s always the first to make a start.
God gives His people love.
4. God gives His people peace.
When sorrow fills us to the brim, and courage grows dim
He lays to rest our restlessness in Him.
God gives His people peace.