Devotional : God's Unfailing Word and Sovereign Choice (Romans 9)

Good morning 😇, people of God 

> Our Scripture for Today:

> "For though the twins were not yet born and had done nothing either good or bad—in order that God's purpose of election might continue, not because of works but because of him who calls—she was told, 'The older will serve the younger.' As it is written, 'Jacob I loved, but Esau I hated.'" - Romans 9:11-13

 

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The question arises: Has God's word failed, since it seems His promises to Israel have not been fulfilled? Paul answers with a resounding "No." God's word has not failed because not all who are of Israel are truly "Israel." The name "Israel" means "governed by God," and not everyone who is a physical descendant is truly governed by Him.

This reveals a key principle: God's promise of salvation is not based on physical lineage but on His sovereign choice, a principle of election.

*Election: A Purpose Based on God, Not Works*

Paul illustrates this with the examples of Isaac and Ishmael, and more powerfully, Jacob and Esau.

 * Isaac vs. Ishmael*: Both were sons of Abraham, but only Isaac was the child of promise, not of the flesh.

 * Jacob vs. Esau*: God's choice was even more striking here. He chose Jacob over Esau before they were even born and before they had done anything good or evil.

This demonstrates that God's purpose of election stands, not based on works but on the One who calls. God has the right to show mercy to whomever He chooses. This doesn't mean God is unfair; it means He is merciful, giving us what we don't deserve.

*The Stumbling Block of Faith vs. Works*

Paul then addresses the paradox of his time: Gentiles, who weren't even seeking righteousness, found it, while many Jews, who were earnestly seeking it, did not.

 Gentiles Attained Righteousness: They found it because they pursued the righteousness of faith. They came to God through faith, receiving His righteousness as a free gift.

 Israel Did Not Attain Righteousness: They failed because they pursued the righteousness of works. They tried to justify themselves by their own performance of the Law.

Their ultimate downfall was that they stumbled at the "stumbling stone," which is Christ Himself. While the gospel of a crucified Savior was a stumbling block to many, those who believe in Him will not be put to shame.

Paul shows both sides of the coin: God's sovereign choice and human responsibility. Israel's failure was a result of their own choice to seek righteousness through works instead of faith.

> Key Bible Verses from Romans 9:

> "For they are not all Israel who are of Israel." - Romans 9:6

> "Nor is it because they are children of Abraham that they are all his children, but 'Through Isaac shall your offspring be named.'" - Romans 9:7

> "So then it depends not on human will or exertion, but on God, who has mercy." - Romans 9:16

> "For they have stumbled over the stumbling stone, as it is written: 'Behold, I am laying in Zion a stone of stumbling, and a rock of offense; and whoever believes in him will not be put to shame.'" - Romans 9:32-33

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*Prayer*

Lord, we thank you for your unfailing word and your sovereign grace.

Help us to rely on your finished work on the cross and to seek you by faith alone. 

We pray that you would open the eyes of those who are still stumbling, so they may see Jesus as their Savior. 

In Jesus name. Amen.