QT 12/20/2024 Rom 11:25-30, We are near; what are we doing?

Romans 11:25–30 (ESV) —

25 Lest you be wise in your own sight, I do not want you to be unaware of this mystery, brothers: a partial hardening has come upon Israel, until the fullness of the Gentiles has come in. 26 And in this way all Israel will be saved, as it is written,

“The Deliverer will come from Zion,

he will banish ungodliness from Jacob”;

27 “and this will be my covenant with them

when I take away their sins.”

28 As regards the gospel, they are enemies for your sake. But as regards election, they are beloved for the sake of their forefathers. 29 For the gifts and the calling of God are irrevocable. 30 For just as you were at one time disobedient to God but now have received mercy because of their disobedience,

 

NOTE: Why are the gifts and calling of God irrevocable? Because they were given by grace and not works. God's program, which includes his promises, unconditional oaths, and grace toward Israel, has not stopped. Ethnic Israel is right now experiencing a hardness of heart because of their rejection of the Messiah when Jesus (God himself) walked the earth. Those promises to Israel have not been transferred. They were made to Israel, and they will be completed toward Israel. All Israel, the nation of Israel, will be saved. For now, God is at work in the ethnic Gentile nations, and individuals saved are called the church (including individuals who are Jewish). It has nothing to do with promises made to Israel, except we (the church) are also recipients of the Abrahamic blessing. The church consists of Gentiles and individuals from Israel who put their faith in Jesus. They are called the bride of Christ. They will be snatched up soon for the wedding preparation. At that time, the program for Israel will resume, the 70th week of Daniel will resume. I believe it is coming soon. It could be in six years or nine, or a 100, but it is coming. God may be slow in some people's eyes, but he always fulfills his promises.

 

PONDER:

1. Do I think God is slow about his promises?
2. What if God's return is within the next 10 years; am I ready? What am I doing? Do I have oil in my lamp? Do I even have a witness that is different from the world?

 

PRAYER: Father, I pray I would look different from the world. Help me to identify with Jesus in the opportunities you give me. Help me to keep oil in my lamp, which is the spirit and the word which changes me.