Devotional : God's Unwavering Plan for Israel and the Gentiles

Scripture for Today

Romans 11:33-36

> Oh, the depth of the riches both of the wisdom and knowledge of God! How unsearchable are his judgments and how inscrutable his ways! “For who has known the mind of the Lord, or who has been his counselor?” “Or who has given a gift to him that he might be repaid?” For from him and through him and to him are all things. To him be glory forever. Amen.

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 Romans 11 explores the relationship between God's grace, His people Israel, and the Gentile believers. It addresses the question of whether God has abandoned the Jewish people and reveals a profound mystery of His plan for salvation.

*Grace & Works*

Paul first clarifies that salvation is based purely on grace, not on human effort or "works."

 Definition of Grace: Grace is a free and unmerited gift from God, given solely out of His kindness, not based on a person's performance or potential.

 The Conflict: Grace and works are mutually exclusive principles. As Paul states, "If by grace, then it is no longer of works; otherwise grace is no longer grace." If a person could earn salvation, it would no longer be a gift.

The Remnant and the Hardened

Paul explains that in his time, not all of Israel had accepted Jesus as the Messiah.

 * The Elect: A remnant of Israel, chosen "according to the election of grace," obtained salvation by responding to God's mercy.

 * The Hardened: The majority, however, rejected this offer and were "hardened." This hardening was not a permanent state but a consequence of their unbelief. As Paul quotes from the Old Testament, God can "give a spirit of stupor" to those who choose not to see or hear.

 _Romans 11:6 - "And if by grace, then it is no longer of works; otherwise grace is no longer grace."_

*The Blessing for the Gentiles*

Paul reveals that the rejection of the gospel by the majority of the Jewish people led to a pivotal moment in God's plan.

 Salvation for Gentiles: "Through their fall, salvation has come to the Gentiles." The gospel, rejected by many Jews, was then taken to the Gentiles (Acts 13:46, 18:5-6, 28:25-28), allowing them to be included in God's family.

Paul uses the powerful image of an olive tree.

   The Root: The root of the tree represents Israel, with its promises and covenant history.

   The Branches: The original, natural branches are the Jewish people. Some were broken off due to unbelief.

   The Wild Olive Tree: The Gentile believers are like a "wild olive tree" that has been grafted into the cultivated tree. They are now sharing in the nourishment of the root.

Paul's message to the Gentile believers is a warning against arrogance: do not boast against the natural branches. Remember that you do not support the root; the root supports you. They were grafted in by grace, and they must "continue in His goodness" to remain.

God's Irrevocable Calling

Paul concludes by assuring his readers that God has not given up on the nation of Israel.

 Irrevocable Calling: The gifts and calling of God are "irrevocable." God's promises to Israel's patriarchs—Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob—still stand. He will not abandon them.

 God has "committed them all to disobedience" (both Jews and Gentiles) so that He may "have mercy on them all." All humanity is in a state of sin, making God's mercy and salvation the only path to restoration.

*The Mystery of God's Wisdom*

Overwhelmed by the depth of God's plan, Paul bursts into praises

  He exclaims, "Oh, the depth of the riches both of the wisdom and knowledge of God!" He acknowledges that God's judgments are "unsearchable" and His ways "past finding out."

 Sovereignty: No one has known God's mind or can make God their debtor. Everything comes "of Him and through Him and to Him."

   * "Of Him"*: The entire plan of salvation originated with God.

   * "Through Him"*: It was made possible through the work of Jesus Christ.

   * "To Him"*: The ultimate purpose is for His glory and pleasure.

This profound mystery should lead to worship and praise, recognizing that God's wisdom and sovereign plan are far beyond our full comprehension.

*Prayer*

Lord, we thank You for the depth of Your wisdom and the riches of Your grace.

  We pray that You would help us to rest in Your goodness and to walk in humility, knowing that our salvation is not by our works, but by Your kindness alone. 

May all things in our lives be from You, through You, and to You, for Your glory forever.

In Jesus name Amen.