Romans 11:1-10
11 I ask, then, has God rejected his own people, the nation of Israel? Of course not! I myself am an Israelite, a descendant of Abraham and a member of the tribe of Benjamin.
2 No, God has not rejected his own people, whom he chose from the very beginning. Do you realize what the Scriptures say about this? Elijah the prophet complained to God about the people of Israel and said, 3 “Lord, they have killed your prophets and torn down your altars. I am the only one left, and now they are trying to kill me, too.”
4 And do you remember God’s reply? He said, “No, I have 7,000 others who have never bowed down to Baal!”
5 It is the same today, for a few of the people of Israel have remained faithful because of God’s grace—his undeserved kindness in choosing them. 6 And since it is through God’s kindness, then it is not by their good works. For in that case, God’s grace would not be what it really is—free and undeserved.
7 So this is the situation: Most of the people of Israel have not found the favor of God they are looking for so earnestly. A few have—the ones God has chosen—but the hearts of the rest were hardened. 8 As the Scriptures say,
“God has put them into a deep sleep.
To this day he has shut their eyes so they do not see,
and closed their ears so they do not hear.”
9 Likewise, David said,
“Let their bountiful table become a snare,
a trap that makes them think all is well.
Let their blessings cause them to stumble,
and let them get what they deserve.
10 Let their eyes go blind so they cannot see,
and let their backs be bent forever.”
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Some hard sayings are in this passage. Paul is concerned for Israel, but he is also a realist. They have rejected Christ. There are some who have faith, but Paul says they have been chosen. The idea of predestination is all through this letter, but mostly here. Why would God shut their eyes and ears? He did it in the Old Testament because they were arrogant, self-sufficient, and disobedient. In other words, they got what they deserved.
I can understand that side of the argument easier than I can the opposite–that because of God’s grace and kindness, some did not believe. But there has to be something more. Salvation can’t be based on works–Paul clearly says so. But there must have been something in those that allowed/opened themselves to receiving his grace. Guess that will be answered in heaven.
As I reflect on this I recognize it has nothing to do with me but everything to do with God and His ability. All I have He has given me an often I wonder God are You sure. Each day brings more opportunity to see Him in all His grace and mercy and being the least among all have opportunity to recognize where my help comes from. So in His grace I ask He by His Spirit continue to intercede on behalf of all in His name so Hos desire and will will become complete in the lives of people in Jesup name I ask. Amen.
In Christ
Linda Mullin