The Bible is not a historical study of ancient people. We know the Bible as a book of theology – the study of God. However, it is not a theoretical study of God. It is a record of Emmanuel, God with us, as experienced by real people working out the meaning of their existence within God’s plan of creation and redemption. This understanding is crucial to grasping Paul’s discussion in today’s passage. Taken by itself, without the context of God’s covenant relationship throughout the history of Israel, this passage is both very difficult to understand, and very misleading about the nature of God. Paul provides the context for his teaching by quoting or referring to at least six Old Testament books: Genesis 18, 21 & 25; Exodus 4, 9, 14, & 33; Deuteronomy 32; Isaiah 1, 10; Hosea 1; and Malachi 1.
These Old Testament references reveal God actively working with his people to establish a culture that is a reflection of God’s mercy, love and justice. This involves both God’s blessings and his discipline of the nation of Israel. Within this context I see God choosing to work with certain people because of what God alone sees within the person. Our tendency is to spiritualize the individuals God chooses to reveal his glory. However, we have no basis to assume these individuals are any different that you or me. God’s chooses to do extraordinary things through quite ordinary people.
Paul is using the history of Israel to make it clear there are no entitlements within the Kingdom of God. While Paul is very clear that God our Savior wants everyone to be saved (1Timothy 1:3) he is also very clear that not everyone will be reconciled to God. All people can be saved. Not all people want to live the life in Christ. God wants all people to understand the truth of Jesus and be saved. Not all people will accept God’s invitation. God has provided the church to take the message of Jesus to the world. Jesus stands at the door of the church, knocking (Revelation 3:20), trying to wake the church out of apostasy, apathy, and immorality, lest the church fail in her mission as Israel did before her.
Selah.
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?
12-Dec-11 Rom. 9:30-10:21
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