Romans - Part 5: ELECTIONSample

God's Redemptive Work

The Apostle Paul addresses a deeply profound mystery in these verses: God's amazing, redemptive work despite humanity's rebellion and disappointing failures. Paul refers to Israel's stumbling but immediately assures us that the stumble was not to cause a complete fall.

In this stumble (Israel's rejection of Christ), the door graciously opened for the Gentiles (non-Jews) to find salvation. This part of God's plan showcases His divine authority and all-knowing, all-inclusive love for every person, nation, and race.

Was this stumble a blessing in disguise, then? It certainly produced 'riches for the world.’ Through Israel's failures, God made a way for the Gentiles to participate in the Kingdom’s blessings. This divine plan reveals that God can make magnificent things out of us, no matter how much we have stumbled or fallen.

Paul concludes the verses with a hopeful prophecy: If such a gift came through Israel's failures, how much more will their full inclusion bring? God's plans for His chosen children are not over. This thought fills us with anticipation and an understanding of God's mercy that extends beyond any human boundary.

Today, as we reflect on these verses, let's remind ourselves that our stumbles and failures are never beyond God's redemptive reach. Our missteps can become His stepping stones, leading us to a profound experience of His forgiveness and love. We have all stumbled and fallen throughout our lives, but God is right by our side to pick us up and set us back on our way.

As a parent, when I see one of my children trip and fall, my heart hurts for them. I run to their side to help them get to their feet; I comfort them by lifting them into my arms and holding them. I wipe their tears and let them know it will be okay. Daddy is right here. Our Father in Heaven is right by our side. He is lifting us when we fall, and just as Genesis 50:20 tells us, what the devil intended for bad, God WILL use for His glory. No hurt in this life is wasted. All will be used for His divine purpose and reason. God's mercy is far-reaching and all-inclusive. He created every human being in His image with purpose and reason. In His divine plan, there is a place for every tribe, every tongue, and every nation. Let's embrace this truth and live it out through love, acceptance, and respect for all.

Dear Heavenly Father, we thank You for Your boundless mercy that is evident in our lives and in Your ultimate plan for humanity. Please help us to understand that our stumbles are not the end, but often the beginning of a new awareness of Your grace. Teach us to love as You do, seeing each person as a unique thread in Your redemption. God, you are redeeming your creation, and we thank you. We thank you for Grace; we thank you for love; and we thank you for mercy. We thank you for being the Father that You are. In Jesus' name, we pray. Amen.

-Tim Zentner