One of the core foundations of the game of golf is that ‘you play your ball where it lies.’ For the weekend golfer this isn’t much fun and a new term was introduced: Mulligan. A mulligan is a do-over, or replay of the shot, without counting the first shot as a stroke and without assessing any penalties that might apply. It is not allowed by the rules of golf and not practiced in tournaments, but is common in casual rounds in the United States.
God created our world and pronounced that it was good. The disobedience of Adam and Eve introduced sin into the world and completely corrupted God’s good creation. How would God deal with this sin? He could have called a ‘mulligan’ and started all over again. But God didn’t seek a do-over. God determined to work within his good creation, to work with what he had, to restore order to the world. Paul’s discussion in today’s passage is a summary of how God chose to work through Israel to restore His good creation and how Israel rebelled against God. Still not asking for a ‘mulligan’ God continued to work through humans by sending the Messiah to make it possible for Israel, and the whole world, to live in a right relationship with their Creator, and with each other.
In our culture it is difficult to fully appreciate God’s character traits of patience and love for humankind because we are such a do-over society. When something breaks we are inclined to replace it, not fix it. Seldom do people want to work with what they have to solve a problem. People would rather find a way to ignore the problem and start over.
But God is not like us. As we read just a few days ago, God causes everything to work together for the good of those who love God. God doesn’t cause the predicaments we often find ourselves in; but He doesn’t waste them either. God uses them for good.
God’s character trait of ‘playing it where it lies’ is an invitation to his people to follow suit. Instead of ignoring problems or looking for a do-over, we can seek God’s wisdom to work through our problems. Our issues may not work out with the tangible benefits we hope for, but the Christ like character God will work within us is far better, and longer lasting.
What word or phrase in these verses
attracts your attention?
Reflect on that word or phrase.
What insights come to you?
How does this passage touch your life today?
14-Dec-11 Rom. 11:33-12:21
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