Scripture to Read: Romans 11:17–24
God wants us to know that His choice to bring salvation to everyone is due to His great mercy and grace. As we have examined Romans 11, God has shown us His sovereign work on behalf of the Gentiles and Israel. Today, in Romans 11:17–24, God continues to confirm His work to set free both Gentiles and Jews. In verse 17, God lets us know that some of the people of Israel had been separated from Christ by their choice. As Gentiles, those before us and all of us today who know Christ as Lord are not direct descendants of Abraham. Therefore, God has grafted us into His family through Christ. So, we are included in the blessing God promised Abraham, sharing in the rich blessing of salvation through Christ. Then God warns us in Romans 11:18–21 not to brag about being included in His family while some Israelites have been cut off due to their rejection of Christ. Our relationship with Christ is based on God’s grace and not on our good works (Ephesians 2:9). Again, some Israelites are not part of God’s family because they chose not to believe in Christ. Then God reminds us in Romans 11:22–24 that He is both kind and severe. God is severe to those who disobey and reject Him but kind to those who trust in Christ. Here is what we must not miss—God’s good news for the unbelieving Jews. For any Jews who repent and surrender to Christ, God will save them. No one is beyond God’s redemption through Christ.
Challenge & Application
What God has done for us through Christ reveals His rich mercy and love for us, so how are you showing thankfulness to Him?
What did God teach you about His kindness and severity, and how does that challenge you in your walk with Him?
Don’t forget to pray using the A.C.T.S. (Adoration, Confession, Thanksgiving, Supplication) method!