God’s Renewing Word of Hope
Introduction
Romans 11:25-36: The apostle Paul sums up his argument by discussing how all Israel will be saved and how, through Christ, God will show mercy to Jews and Gentiles alike. The chapter concludes with Paul praising God’s wisdom.
Scripture Reading
God’s Mercy on All
25There is a secret truth, my friends, which I want you to know, for it will keep you from thinking how wise you are. It is that the stubbornness of the people of Israel is not permanent, but will last only until the complete number of Gentiles comes to God. 26 And this is how all Israel will be saved. As the scripture says,
“The Savior will come from Zion
and remove all wickedness from the descendants of Jacob.
27 I will make this covenant with them
when I take away their sins.”
28Because they reject the Good News, the Jews are God’s enemies for the sake of you Gentiles. But because of God’s choice, they are his friends because of their ancestors. 29For God does not change his mind about whom he chooses and blesses. 30As for you Gentiles, you disobeyed God in the past; but now you have received God’s mercy because the Jews were disobedient. 31In the same way, because of the mercy that you have received, the Jews now disobey God, in order that they also may now receive God’s mercy. 32For God has made all people prisoners of disobedience, so that he might show mercy to them all.
Praise to God
33 How great are God’s riches! How deep are his wisdom and knowledge! Who can explain his decisions? Who can understand his ways? 34 As the scripture says,
“Who knows the mind of the Lord?
Who is able to give him advice?
35 Who has ever given him anything,
so that he had to pay it back?”
36 For all things were created by him, and all things exist through him and for him. To God be the glory forever! Amen.
Today’s Key Verse: Romans 11:33
How great are God’s riches! How deep are his wisdom and knowledge! Who can explain his decisions? Who can understand his ways?
Reflect
Throughout the readings these past five days, the apostle Paul has been expressing his hope for all Israel to accept salvation through faith in Christ. What were your thoughts as you read verses 28-32? What do these verses teach you about God’s mercy? In closing, in verses 33 and 34 Paul quotes from Isaiah 55:8 and 40:13. Have you ever contemplated God’s wisdom?
Pray
I praise you, Lord God, for your wisdom, steadfast love, and abundant mercy. To you be glory forever! Amen.
And now, join us in thanking God for Scripture distribution in Kenya: Loving God, we thank and praise you for Bible distribution through the Bible-A-Month Club to places like orphanages in Kenya where the gift of Scripture provides love and encouragement to orphans and comforts them with the assurance that you will never abandon them. Amen.
Tomorrow’s Reading
Romans 12:1-21: The apostle Paul describes life in God’s service.
