Romans 11:11–16 (ESV) —
11 So I ask, did they stumble in order that they might fall? By no means! Rather, through their trespass salvation has come to the Gentiles, so as to make Israel jealous. 12 Now if their trespass means riches for the world, and if their failure means riches for the Gentiles, how much more will their full inclusion mean!
13 Now I am speaking to you Gentiles. Inasmuch then as I am an apostle to the Gentiles, I magnify my ministry 14 in order somehow to make my fellow Jews jealous, and thus save some of them. 15 For if their rejection means the reconciliation of the world, what will their acceptance mean but life from the dead? 16 If the dough offered as firstfruits is holy, so is the whole lump, and if the root is holy, so are the branches.
NOTE: Paul was an apostle to the Gentiles, but in his heart he was also an apostle to his own people, the Jews. Today, individual Jews and Gentiles (even nations) come to Christ and are members of the church, but overall the nation of Israel has still rejected the message. When the church age ends, Jews will see and recognize the times. When the antichrist goes after them, they will turn to Jesus. It is during that time, that Israel's 70th week (as prophesied by Daniel) will start and end, bringing to close six millennia of human rebellion. Then Jesus will inaugurate one thousand years of perfect justice. And still, those who survive the 70th week, and their children, will rebel in their hearts against God's rule on earth. Why is it we want to be our own gods so much? Why is it we think we can do better? Why is it we choose pain over his lordship?
PONDER:
- Have I bent the knee to God?
- Do I recognize that he is Lord and God, and that I am not.
PRAYER: Father, help us to see our foolishness. Awaken our spirits. Open our eyes. Help us to repent of rebellion and once again put ourselves under your rule.
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