GETTING STARTED
One of the most magical moments that can possibly happen in a woman’s life is to be proposed to by the love of her life. The ring is a sign that more blessings are to come as she places her trust and hope in the giver of the proposal. A promise of future joy and hope collides with a present peace that everything heard is, and will become, true. Likewise, could there be anything more devastating than a broken engagement? The promises, the words, the hopes, and the joy all dissolve in a moment, giving way to a hardened heart and a grieved spirit.
- Think about this powerful comparison of emotions as you read our text for today.
READ THE WORD: ROMANS 11:25-32 (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, 31 so they too have now been disobedient in order that by the mercy shown to you they also may now receive mercy. 32 For God has consigned all to disobedience, that he may have mercy on all.
English Standard Version, copyright 2001 by Crossway Bibles. Used by permission. All rights reserved.
DIGGING DEEPER
- In a way, God proposed to Abraham in Genesis 12:1-3. God would “marry” a nation (Israel) through Abraham’s seed that would be blessed forever and would bless all nations for eternity. But who broke the relationship between God and Israel… God or the Jewish people?
- Was the hardening of Israel discussed in these verses temporary or permanent? What does that say about the patience of God?
- How did God use the situation of an unfaithful fiancé to bring many to himself? Is the heavenly groom done with his first love? What mystery is revealed in this passage about the love and endurance of God?
- What does this passage teach you about God’s sovereignty in light of human disobedience?
- Verse 29 says, “For the gifts and the calling of God are irrevocable.” How does this verse encourage you?
RESPOND TO GOD
Is there an area of your life where you have been hardened to the Lord’s Word and ways? Is there an area of unfaithfulness that you need to confess? Consider making these your prayers today:
- Lord, I confess to you that I have been unfaithful in _____________, and because of a hardened heart towards you, I have allowed ______________into my life.
- Call upon the name of the Lord to give you faith and trust that his ways, while at times painful and mysterious, can ultimately be trusted. Give that pain to God: Lord, I give to you ___________in my life. It has been painful, but I know you don’t waste pain, and I look forward to you unpacking the blessing as I strive to remain faithful.