Romans 11

Today finishes Paul’s complex discourse on God’s plan for Israel.  It has many deep truths expressed in it.  I believe that a great takeaway from these chapters is a reminder of the character and nature of God.  Notice verse 22 below: 

Rom. 11:22Behold then the kindness and severity of God; to those who fell, severity, but to you, God’s kindness, if you continue in His kindness; otherwise you also will be cut off.

This passage reminds me not to get too smug about my salvation, it is God’s doing and not mine.  God is not only a patient, loving God; He is also a just and righteous God who can and will bring “severity” upon His people if He needs to.  But a few verses later in 30-31, we see that God desires to show mercy to all, Jews and Gentiles. 

Rom. 11:30-31For just as you once were disobedient to God, but now have been shown mercy because of their (i.e., the Jews) disobedience, so these also now have been disobedient, that because of the mercy shown to you they also may now be shown mercy.

These concepts in this chapter reminds me of the passage in C.S Lewis’ The Lion, Witch, and Wardrobe, where the children are talking with Mr. and Mrs. Beaver as the children are learning about Aslan the great lion (who represents Christ). One of the children, Lucy, I think, asks the Beavers if Aslan is safe (i.e., tamed).  Mr. Beavers response is “Safe? Heavens no my child, he is not safe, but He is good”  Let’s remember that our God is not tamed, but He is good, very good to us.   

Tomorrow, we enter into the application portion of Romans, I am so glad are are still with me after 2 years of reading Scripture together.