Romans 11:13-29

Observation: In Romans 9-11, Paul tries to make sense of the fact that the majority of his fellow Jews have not agreed with him that Jesus is the messiah. In the end, Paul comes around to the conclusion that eventually, "all Israel will be saved", as well as "the full number of Gentiles." Seems like a pretty big tent!

Application: I am increasingly convicted based on scripture that it is not for humans to tell God who to save and who not to save. Yes, faith is vital. God uses our faith to save us. But what does that faith have to look like? Paul lifts up Abraham as an example of faith. Does that mean Abraham accepted Jesus into his heart as personal Lord and Savior? I think not. So when Paul says "all Israel will be saved", it's against the Gospel to put up any further conditions.

 Jews and Christians are branches of the same tree.  Christian anti-Semitism is an affront to God and to our Rabbi and teacher, Jesus of Nazareth. To learn at his side is to learn how to be better brothers and sisters to those whom God has already called and chosen.

Prayer: Lord God, thank you for the faithful witness of Israel, your people. Amen.