Jeremiah 12 “Compassion For All”

“And it shall come to pass, after that I have plucked them out I will return, and have compassion on them, and will bring them again, every man to his heritage, and every man to his land. And it shall come to pass, if they will diligently learn the ways of my people, to swear by my name, saying, The LORD lives; as they taught my people to swear by Baal; then shall they be built in the midst of my people” ( vv.12-16).

This shows us that God is truly compassionate, longsuffering, and not willing that any should perish, but that all should come to repentance. Even though Judah and Israel both broke their covenant with the LORD and followed after the gods of other nations, and will have hard times ahead for them for 70 years, God will still have compassion on them, and bring them back again, every man to his heritage, and every man to his land. Even those who led His people astray into worshiping other gods (Baal), IF they will learn the ways of His people and swear by His name.

This is great encouragement for all who hope and pray for their prodigals. If idol worshippers and corrupt Jewish leaders can be redeemed, so can everyone who calls on the name of the LORD.

The Truth: As Scripture says, “Anyone who believes in Him will never be put to shame (Isaiah 28:16). For there is no difference between Jew or Gentile – the same LORD is LORD of all and richly blesses all who call upon Him, for, everyone who calls on the name of the LORD will be saved.” (Romans 10:11-13)

Jeremiah 11 “The Broken Covenant”

“Yet they did not obey or incline their ear, but everyone walked in the imagination of his evil heart; therefore I will bring upon them all the words of this covenant, which I commanded them to do, but which they have not done.” (v.8)

When God had graciously rescued Israel from the oppression of Egyptian slavery, He formed a binding covenant them. The terms were simple: “Obey me . . . and you will be my people, and I will be your God” (v.4). Unfortunately, God’s people refused to uphold their end of the covenant: “they did not listen or pay attention; instead, they followed the stubbornness of their evil hearts” (v.8). They worshiped other gods; and the covenant was broken.

The people’s sin was so egregious that God said to Jeremiah, “I will bring a calamity on them which they will not escape; and though they cry out to Me, I will not listen to them” (v.11). O the consequences of disobedience and living in rebellion against God. Calamity would befall both Judah and Israel with no escape, and He will not hear their cries.

The same holds true for you and I. If we live in rebellion and rejection of God, He will surely bring us to destruction, no escape, and will not hear our cries. But, if we believe in His Son, Jesus Christ, and confess Him before men, He (Jesus) will confess us before His Father (God) in heaven. And then we will be His people, and He will be our God.

The Truth: Jesus said, "Everyone therefore who shall confess Me before men, I will also confess him before My Father who is in heaven. But whoever shall deny Me before men, I will also deny him before My Father who is in heaven." (Matthew 10:32-33)

Jeremiah 10 “Idols vs. The True God”

“But the Lord is the true God; He is the living God and the everlasting King. At His wrath the earth will tremble, And the nations will not be able to endure His indignation.” Thus you (Jeremiah) shall say to them (Israel): “The gods that have not made the heavens and the earth shall perish from the earth and from under these heavens.” (vv.10-11)

Here in chapter 10 Jeremiah is reminding God’s people of the vast difference between Jehovah and manmade idols. One is living, everlasting, the One who made the heavens and the earth. While the others are molten images, a falsehood, there is no breath in them, and are made by man. They are vanity, and the work of errors: in the time of their visitation they shall perish (vv.14-16). But Jehovah, rather than being formed, is the One who has formed all things.

Therefore, call upon the LORD while He may be found. Remember your creator in the days of your youth, before the evil days have come, and the years draw near when you say, “I have no delight in them” (Ecclesiastes 12:1). For God’s Spirit will not always strive with man. "Behold the days are coming," says the LORD, that I will punish all those who are circumcised with the uncircumcised, Egypt, Judah, Edom, the people of Ammon, Moab, and all who are in the farthest corners, who dwell in the wilderness. For all these nations are uncircumcised, and the house of Israel are uncircumcised in the heart" (Jeremiah 9:25-26).

In other words, it doesn't matter if you are Jew or Gentile when it comes to God's wrath, His judgment. What does matter is your heart. To whom does your heart belong, the true and the living God or some idol? Salvation is found in God alone, "For there is no other name under heaven given among men by which we must be saved." (Acts 4:12)

The Truth: “I am the LORD, and there is no other; there is no God but Me.” (Isaiah 45:5)

Jeremiah 9 “Glory in God”

“Thus says the LORD: ‘Let not the wise man glory in his wisdom, Let not the mighty man glory in his might, Nor let the rich man glory in his riches; But let him who glories glory in this, That he understands and knows Me, That I am the LORD, exercising lovingkindness, judgment, and righteousness in the earth. For in these I delight,’ says the LORD.” (vv.23-24)

Through Jeremiah we are told not to boast in our wisdom, strength, or riches. Through James we are told, “Humble yourselves in the sight of the Lord, and He will lift you (us) up” (Jam. 4:10). Putting these thoughts together tells us, if we will learn and practice humility, then God will do all the promoting. And we can stand back and watch His handiwork that often goes beyond our greatest expectations. Giving glory to God and not ourselves shows that we understand that “every good and perfect is from above, coming down from the Father of heavenly lights” (James 1:17), through His loving kindness and through His grace.

Therefore, may we glory in knowing Him, understanding His righteousness, His judgment, and His grace, His loving kindness, for the pride of life will bring destruction, and a haughty spirit a great fall” (Proverbs 16:18).

The Truth: “Rather, let him who boasts boast in the LORD. For it is not the one who commends himself who is approved, but the one whom the Lord commends.” (2 Corinthians 10:17)

Jeremiah 8 “Medication Can’t Heal The Soul”

“Is there no balm in Gilead, Is there no physician there? Why then is there no recovery for or the health of the daughter of my people?” (v.22)

Here in chapter 8 Jeremiah mourns for God’s people who continue to turn their backs on Him and do not repent. In our text he makes the point that no physical medicine is capable of bringing spiritual relief. Jeremiah used the same concept again concerning the Gentile Egyptians: “Go up to Gilead and take balm, O virgin, the daughter of Egypt: In vain shall you use many medicines; You shall not be cured” (Jeremiah 46:11).

Both Jew and Gentile were in need of spiritual healing, but no medication could heal their souls. Only through repentance and returning to God Himself as their physician could they find healing. Jesus said, “Those who are well have no need of a physician, but those who are sick. I did not come to call the righteous, but sinners, to repentance” (Mark 2:17). The pivotal moment in our lives comes when we recognize that our sin has caused our sickness, and there is no physical medication we can take to heal our soul. The question is, will you continue in your sickness as did god's people or will you repent and accept His healing?

The Truth: “Repent, then, and turn to God, so that your sins may be wiped out, that times of refreshing may come from the Lord.” (Acts 3:19)

Jeremiah 7 “Trusting in Deception”

“Behold, you are trusting in deceptive words to no avail. Will you steal, murder, and commit adultery and swear falsely, and offer sacrifices to Baal and walk after other gods that you have not known, then come and stand before Me in this house, which is called by My name, and say, ‘We are delivered!’—that you may do all these abominations? (vv.8-10)

We can’t have it both ways. We can’t transgress Monday-Saturday and come Sunday stand before God and say we are delivered. We can’t use the death of Jesus as a license to willfully sin, and then think He will pardon us, making His death of no effect. He will cast us out of His sight (v.15), for He sees through our deception.

However many years ago I did just that. Lived a selfish life, answered to no one, and God let me hit rock bottom. Thank God He never quit pursuing me, thank God the Spirit convicted me, thank God He forgave me, and thank God for His Son Jesus Christ who’s blood cleanses a man from all sin, even the sin of denial. No longer double minded, no longer my own, but bought and paid for by my savior Jesus Christ.

The Truth: “For by grace you are saved through faith, and that not of yourselves, for it is the gift of God; For ye are saved by grace, through faith; and this not of yourselves; it is God's gift: for by grace have ye been saved through faith; and that not of yourselves: it is the gift of God.” (Ephesians 2:8)

We Three Kings

The Christmas song, “We Three Kings” speaks to us of the “guiding light” which lead the Magi West from Persia to Jerusalem and eventually to Bethlehem, the birth place of Jesus. In the gospel of Matthew (2:2) this light is referred to as, "His Star."

Not much is known about the exact identity of the Magi but they were most likely Gentiles of high position from a country northeast of Babylon, who were given a special revelation by God concerning the birth of, the King of the Jews. Some Bible scholars believe the revelation came through knowledge of Balaam’s prophecy concerning the “star” that would “come out of Jacob” (Num. 24:17). Others simply believe it came to them in the sky, as we are told in Matthew’s Gospel, “they had seen His star in the East.” (Matthew 2:2) Whatever the source, the Magi came to Jerusalem to worship the new-born King of the Jews and to pay Him tribute of Gold, Incense and Myrrh.

On their journey from Jerusalem to Bethlehem “the star” they had seen in the East, reappeared and led them to the specific house in Bethlehem where they found the Child Jesus. (Matthew 2:9-11) This was truly a miracle, as Bethlehem is about 5 miles south of Jerusalem and “Stars” naturally travel from east to west across the heavens, not from north to south.

The response of the wise men upon finding Jesus was entirely appropriate, and their actions serve as a model of true discipleship. First they sought the Christ child (Matt. 2:2), and when they had found their way to Him, they rejoiced (Matt.2:10). Then, seeing the child they worshiped Him (Matt. 2:11), and offered him gifts that befit a king (Matt.2:11; cf. Pss 45:7-9; 72:15).

The response of Herod on the other hand was completely different. First, he did not seek to honor the baby Jesus, in fact He was not even aware of His birth under His very nose until the Magi inquired. Second, once he learned of it from the Magi, he tried to deceive them into returning too give him the exact location of Christ child in order that he might supposedly worship Him. But in his heart he had other plans. Two different people groups with two different reactions. The wise men (from the east, gentiles) worshiped Jesus. While Herod (part Jewish, ruler of the nation), sought to kill him.

This early division and the different reactions over the announcement of the birth of Christ, would mark His ministry His entire life. There would be no middle ground. Some would seek Him for life, while others would seek Him to take His life.

The same is true today for many people. Some are like Herod and reject Jesus, while others are like the Magi and see Him for who He is; the Messiah, King of Kings and Lord of Lords, the Savior of mankind, the "Light of the World." God's gift to all - if we will only receive it.

The Truth
“A Star shall rise out of Jacob. A Scepter shall rise out of Israel.” (Numbers 24:17)
“I am the Root and the Offspring of David, the Bright and Morning Star.” (Rev.22:16)
Merry Christmas.

Jeremiah 6 “The Old Paths”

Thus says the LORD: "Stand in the ways and see, And ask for the old paths, where the good way is, And walk in it; Then you will find rest for your souls." But they said, 'We will not walk in it.' (v.16)

Jeremiah ministered just prior to the Babylonian exile (627–580 B.C.). Like many other prophets, he urged God’s people to return to “the old paths” (v.16). But they refused to do so! Even though God had sent previous prophets, the “watchmen” (v.17), the people persisted in their sin. And, rather than destroying all their false idols, the Israelites adopted many perverse pagan practices, even entering into dangerous foreign alliances rather than trusting God for their protection.

The consequences of their sin were far-reaching. Instead of being a witness to the nations, we find that the nations were called upon to testify against Israel in the courtroom of God’s justice and to hear His sentence against his people (v.18). This is indeed a sad day when God's people would chose to go their own way and not turn from their evil path, to walk the path of destruction rather than the way to truth and to light. And even when the prophet pleaded for them to return to the “good way,” they responded, “We will not walk in it.

LORD, teach us that the best road is the one we walk with You, and that the “old truth” of Your Word is ever new - even in today's morally degrading culture where good is consider evil and evil good.

The Truth: “Thy Word is a lamp unto my feet and a light unto my path.” (Psalm 119:115)

Jeremiah 5 “Fear The LORD”

“Hear this now, O foolish people without understanding, who have eyes and see not, and who have ears and hear not: Do you not fear Me? Says the LORD. Will you not tremble at My presence?” (vv.21-22)

At this point Israel had completely abandoned her allegiance to God and no longer walked in the fear of the Lord. On a practical level, this meant that people felt a license to sin. The fear of God’s judgment, which had once been a restraining force, was discarded. They no longer believed that God would involve Himself in any meaningful way in their lives, and certainly would not judge their sin.

Dishonesty, adultery, rebellion, greed, injustice: these had all become commonplace in the lives and culture of Israelites of that time. And perhaps worst of all, no one showed remorse. No one had any sense of having offended God and the requirements of His Law. Instead the culture they had created, both political and religious, affirmed all of their wrong choices. They had completely rejected God’s authority. Sound familiar?

Today, people feel a freedom to sin. The thought of a divine being judging their sin seems out-of-date, medieval almost. And sadly, some churches (and even entire denominations) no longer preach the judgment side of our Holy God not wanting to offend.

When we abandon the fear of the Lord, it often happens gradually. First, we forget to see God as the provider of all good things. Our hearts aren’t grateful for all that we’ve been given. Second, we think we are self-reliant. Our blessings become the very things that have turned our hearts from God, convincing us that we don’t really need Him. And finally, we lose sensitivity to sin and we no longer hate it.

Jeremiah pointed out the folly of such thinking. He reminds us of how much we should respect God’s power (v.22), that short-term pleasures will bring long-term losses (vv.28-29), and that sin thrives on self-deception and doesn’t look ahead to the end result (v.31). Therefore, fear the LORD, and abandon sin (not God), and live.

The Truth: “The fear of the LORD leads to life, and he who has it will abide in satisfaction; he will not be visited with evil.” (Proverbs 19:23)

Jeremiah 4 “Return O Israel”

“If you will return, O Israel,” declares the Lord, “Then you should return to Me. And if you will put away your detested things from My presence, And will not waver, And you will swear, ‘As the Lord lives,’ In truth, in justice and in righteousness; Then the nations will bless themselves in Him, And in Him they will glory.” (vv.1-2)

Our passage today includes God’s plea for His people to repent. But they refused, and now destruction is coming. Had they only repented in truth and righteousness “the nations would have been blessed in Him and in God they would glory (v.2). Instead, the prophet urges this unrepentant people on the brink of disaster to “put on sackcloth, lament and wail” (v.8).

How often do we as Christians, by refusing to repent, miss out on what God had planned for us? Or, how often do we see others who have sinned and are facing terrible consequences, but will not turn from their sin and repent. In the coming weeks as we prepare to celebrate the birth of our savior, may we consider this, are we moving toward Him or away from Him? If you are finding it is the latter, repent, and return to Him. He is waiting to forgive.

The little choices we must make, will chart the course of life we take;

We either choose the path of right, or wander off without God's light. (DJD)

The Truth: “Repent, then, and turn to God, so that your sins may be wiped out, that times of refreshing may come from the Lord.” (Acts 3:19)

Jeremiah 3 “Return Backsliding Israel”

“Return, backsliding Israel, says the LORD and I will not cause mine anger to fall upon you: for I am merciful, says the LORD, and I will not keep my anger forever. Only acknowledge your iniquity (vv.12-13)

That’s all God asks us to do. Acknowledge our iniquity. "If we confess our sins, then He is faithful and just" (1 John 1:9). But do not cover it up, nor gloss it over by justifying ourselves, for then God can’t do anything for us. The Scriptures also tell us, “He who covers his sins will not prosper, but whoever confesses and forsakes them, will have mercy” (Proverbs 28:13).

In other words, confession is good for the soul. It frees us up by removing the burden of guilt and shame of our sin. But, we must also forsake (abandon) that sin, whatever it may be. For only by turning from it and giving it over to God, can the chain of a hidden/secrete sin in your life be broken. Covering it up will not work. You can’t fool God. Confess it to the LORD, and you will experience His Love, His mercy, His grace, and His freedom from sin.

But, reject His call to repent, and like Israel it will eventually cause His anger to fall upon you. He is merciful and does not desire that any should perish, but "He will not hold His anger forever" (v.12). Better to confess and return to Him today than wait until later in life and risk falling into the hands of an angry God on the day of His return.

The Truth: “When I kept silent, my bones grew old through my groaning all day long. For day and night Your hand was heavy upon me; my vitality was turned into the drought of summer. I acknowledged my sin to You. And my iniquity I have not hidden. I said, “I will confess my transgressions to the LORD,” and You forgave the iniquity of my sin.” (Psalm 32:3-5)  

Jeremiah 2 “Israelites Abandon God”

“Be astonished, O heavens, at this, and be horribly afraid; be very desolate,” says the Lord. “For My people have committed two evils: They have forsaken Me, the fountain of living waters, and hewn themselves cisterns—broken cisterns that can hold no water.” (vv.12-13)

Here in chapter 2 Jeremiah condemns the Israelites for turning away from God, and chasing “worthless idols.” They had “forgotten” the power the Lord displayed in bringing them out of slavery in Egypt, and the love He showed them during their wilderness wanderings. The Israelites were living as if they no longer needed Him. They had entrusted themselves to other gods, “who like broken cisterns, that could not even hold water.”

What happens when a person abandons their faith in God? Inevitably, they turn to a God-substitute to fill their void. Almost anything can serve as a God-substitute—sports, art, sex, music, work, gambling, drugs, alcohol, TV—even another person. To abandon God means we risk being made “desolate” (v.12). But obedience to Christ brings complete fulfillment that gives life, peace, and hope.

Jeremiah’s warning applies to us as much as it did to the Israelites. And we would do well to remember, the one who tries to abandon God, may find (after a time) that God will let him. For His Spirit shall not always strive with man (Genesis 6:3). Man is flesh, mortal, weak, self-willed, and resistant. How long the Spirit will strive with an individual who has abandoned God, no one can tell. But, the longer a person rejects the work of the Spirit in their life (statistically), the less likely they are to return.

Therefore, pray that the Holy Spirit continues to strive with your loved ones who have abandoned God. And that He will continue to pursue them and break down the walls of resistance around them before it's too late.

 The Truth: “For nothing is impossible with God.” (Luke 1:37)

Jeremiah 1 “The Promise to Jeremiah”

“Behold, I have put My words in your mouth. I have appointed you this day over the nations and over the kingdoms, to pluck up and to break down, to destroy and to overthrow, to build and to plant.” (vv.9-10)

Here we see the promise of God to Jeremiah. Despite the harsh message the prophet must deliver, God promises to give him the words to say and His presence as protection.

And so it is with us. We must not fear in speaking His truth. For despite our weaknesses, He will give us the words to say, and will protect our way. His Word can be trusted. Therefore, embrace those divine appointments to share God’s Word with others, knowing that He will be with you as He was with Jeremiah.

The Truth: “Now go! I will help you as you speak, and I will teach you what to say." (Exodus 4:12)

Romans 16 “True Obedience”

“For your obedience has become known to all. Therefore I am glad on your behalf; but I want you to be wise in what is good, and simple in what is evil.” (v.19)

Here Paul concludes his letter to the saints in Rome by commending their obedience to the principles of the Gospel, and declaring to them that it is well known to all, which gives him great joy (As it would any shepherd). He is speaking here of an obedience that is motivated by love, that flows from a new heart, which now desires and is empowered to be obedient to the Master’s voice, and to follow His statutes.

Then, at the end of our text, Paul cautions them to, “be wise in what is good, and simple in what is evil.” Great advise here. Understand what is good, and what the LORD requires of His children, but be simple minded, have a lack of knowledge, when it comes to evil and do not become wise in it.

In other words, what you don’t know concerning evil, won’t hurt you. But do not go looking for it, for if you play with Fire you’re going to get burned. 

Help us Lord to be obedient to your voice, to be wise when it comes to doing good, and be ignorant in the things that are evil. Amen.

The Truth: “As obedient children, do not be conformed to the passions of your former ignorance.” (1 Peter 1:14)

Romans 15 "The Scriptures Provide Comfort"

“For whatever things were written before were written for our learning, that we through the patience and comfort of the Scriptures might have hope.” (v.4)

I have found tremendous comfort in the scriptures. It never seems to matter what I’m going through, in time, God provides His comfort through His WORD. Patience is the key though and more often than not, His timing is far longer than we might desired to wait. But as scripture tells us, “let patience have it’s perfect work, that we may be perfect and complete, lacking nothing” (James 1:4).

The scriptures also fill us with comfort through the many examples of recorded patience, grace and forgiveness extended to others who were sinners just like us. The prodical son, the women at the well, the thief on the cross, Paul’s conversion, Peter’s denial, etc.  As Matthew West wrote in his song Grace Wins, “There's a war between guilt and grace, and they're fighting for a sacred space, but I'm living proof, Grace wins every time.”

The longer I live the more I am certain of this great truth in my life, nothing comforts me more than God’s Word.

The Truth: “For by grace you have been saved through faith, and that not of yourselves; it is the gift of God, not of works, lest anyone should boast.” (Ephesians 2:8-9)

Romans 14 “The Law of Liberty”

“Receive one who is weak in the faith, but do not dispute over doubtful things” (v.1)

The law of liberty has created great controversy within the church. In Paul’s day it centered on such matters as: what food to eat, what day to worship, how to be baptized. Today we see similar debate concerning; smoking, drinking, dancing, movies – none of which are clearly spelled out in the Word as immoral.

In verse 14 Paul clearly points out that, you might have a different conviction or a persuasion from a brother (and that is ok) but, don’t push your conviction on someone else, for we all answer to God, not man. Rather, let every man be persuaded in his own mind concerning what liberties he should take without laying a guilt trip on anyone else (in controversial matters). Then live by your convictions, pursue the things which make for peace, and do nothing to destroy the work of God in another persons life for the sake of doubtful things (vv.15-20).

The kingdom of God is not about division but unity, peace, joy, righteousness, and love. Therefore, pursue the positive things in life God wants you to do and unite the body in Christ. Do not divide it and possibly cause one to fall away. Leave conviction to the Holy Spirit who works tirelessly in the lives of men calling them to a higher way. Be patient, pray, lead by example, exhort, correct in love, and watch as He works out His purposes, and His will in those who are being molded and shaped by The Potter.

The Truth: ”If anyone causes one of these little ones, those who believe in Me, to stumble, it would be better for them if a large millstone were hung around their neck and they were thrown into the sea.” (Mark 9:42)  

Romans 13 “Proper Behavior”

Here in chapter 13 Paul is encouraging the believers in Rome to do three things; submit to government (vv.1-7), love their neighbors (vv.8-10) and to put on the LORD Jesus Christ (vv.11-14). All three of these directives can be combined into one major topic, “proper behavior”.

We as Christians should be subjective to the governing authorities appointed by God and not resist them. Proper behavior demands that we follow the law, not only because of the consequences if we don’t, but for our own conscience sake (v.5) and witness. Likewise, proper behavior calls us to treat our neighbors with love and respect. In-so-doing, we have fulfilled God’s greatest commandment, “You shall love your neighbor as yourself” (v.9).

Finally as a Christian, proper behavior calls us to, “put on the armor of light” (v.12) and to walk properly as a living example to others by, “putting on the LORD Jesus Christ and making no provision for the flesh, to fulfill its lusts” (v.14). The key to this is gearing up every day with God’s Word. Only by putting on our armor, can we fight against the “principalities and powers” of the dark side that war against us. Only then can we walk properly as children of the light, Jedi’s for Christ.

The Truth
 “Wash yourselves, make yourselves clean; Put away the evil of your doings from before My eyes. Cease to do evil, Learn to do good; Seek justice, Rebuke the oppressor; Defend the fatherless, Plead for the widow.” (Isaiah 1:16-17)

Romans 12 "Overcome Evil With Good"

"Be not overcome by evil, but overcome evil with good." (v.21)

There is an old saying: Returning evil for good is devil-like, evil for evil is beastlike, good for good is manlike, and good for evil is God-like. How many times have we all thought of getting revenge, make someone pay, returning evil for evil? It truly is our nature to lash out rather than show leniency or to take the higher road. However, Paul is telling us here, we must rise to that God-like point as Christians and overcome evil with good.

CH Spurgeon put it this way, “The text appears to give us a choice between two things, and bids us to choose the better one. You must either be overcome by evil, or you must yourself overcome evil. One of the two. You cannot let evil alone, and evil will not let you alone. You must fight, and in the battle you must either con­quer or be conquered. It (the text) inculcates not merely passive non-resistance, but it teaches us active benevo­lence to enemies. "Overcome evil with good," with direct and overt acts of kindness. If any man has done you a wrong, do not only forgive it, but also avenge it by doing him a favor.”

The longer I live the more I realize the power behind this great truth of returning good for evil. It demonstrates true Christian love and can possibly bring about a change of heart and soul. And that is the real challenge in life is it not, to “overcome evil?” For it’s influence is truly all around us, battling for a piece of us every day. But, Paul has given us here the key to this victory. Starting with verse 9, and going through verse 21 spend some time looking closely at each verse and how you can make it apply more completely to your life and those around you.

The Truth
 “He has shown you, O man, what is good; And what does the Lord require of you? But to do justly, To love mercy, And to walk humbly with your God.” (Micah 6:8)

Romans 11 "There Is A Remnant"

“In the same way then, there has also come to be at the present time, a remnant according to God’s gracious choice.” (v.5)

Here in chapter 11 Paul is making it abundantly clear that no matter how far Israel has moved away from God, no matter how badly they have “blown it," God has not rejected His people. Just as there was a remnant in Elijah’s day, so too, Paul says, there will always be a remnant of believers in Israel, not refering to Jewish believers who kept the law, but of those who were at present saved by grace.

As a result of many Jews rejecting Christ as their Messiah (blinded by God), there remains today only a minority (remnant) in Israel who are believers, meaning there is also a blinded majority. This group will remain blind to their Messiah until the full number of Gentiles are saved (v.25). Once that occurs, it will usher in the Rapture and the completion of the Gentile Age (the church) and the blindness will be removed.

The best thing we as Christians can do for the people of Israel is to pray that they will find the grace and mercy of Jesus Christ before that day comes and become a part of the remnant by God’s grace. There has been and always will be a remnant by which God will fulfill His promises to Israel, "For the gifts and the calling of God are irrevocable" (v. 29).

Make no mistake, God will keep His promises to Israel come what may. And we as Gentiles, the unnatural branch, should not be "high minded." For God did not cut them (unbelieving Jews) off to make room for us, they were cut off because of their unbelief (vv. 21-22). We (gentiles) were grafted in because of our faith in Christ - not His chosen people, but adopted through faith.

Therefore, let us who have been grafted in, pray in the largest remnant ever for Israel, that God's grace will be abundantly poured out on His people. Amen?

The Truth
“For by grace you have been saved through faith, and that not of yourselves; it is the gift of God, not of works, lest anyone should boast.” (Ephesians 2:9)

Romans 10 "No Excuses"

“Whoever calls on the name of the Lord shall be saved.” (v.13)

People have many different reasons for rejecting the gospel. A common one is to blame Christians for something they did or did not do. These critics say, “I know a Christian who treated me poorly.” Or, “I went to church, and no one talked to me.” Indeed, Christians aren’t perfect, and many can be bad examples. But blaming others doesn’t remove one’s accountability to God.

The truth of the gospel does not depend on the way others live out their faith. Salvation is about Jesus alone, and what the individual heart does with Him. For, “If you confess with your mouth the Lord Jesus and believe in your heart that God has raised Him from the dead, you will be saved” (v.9).

Some people may use Christians as an excuse to reject the gospel. But they certainly can’t point a finger of blame at Jesus. He is sinless and perfect in every way. Pilate said of Him, “I have found no fault in this Man” (Luke 23:14). Then Jesus did what no one else could do—He suffered death on a cross to provide salvation for all who believe in Him. That makes it tough for anyone to say, “I’m not going to become a Christian because I don’t like what Jesus did.”

Bothers and sisters, don’t get sidetracked by looking at the faults of others. Look to the One who has no faults, Jesus. He alone is the way to salvation and eternal life.

The Truth: “Jesus said to him, “I am the way, the truth, and the life. No one comes to the Father except through Me.” (John 14:6)

Romans 9 "Paul Laments"

“I could wish that I myself were accursed from Christ for my brethren, my countrymen according to the flesh.” (v.3)

Here in chapter 9 the apostle Paul was so concerned that his fellow Israelites did know Christ that he would write, “I could wish that I myself were accursed from Christ for my brethren, my countrymen according to the flesh.” That’s a remarkable statement! Far from thinking about himself, Paul affirmed that he would willingly exchange his eternity for theirs.

As we continue to read the text, it is also pretty obvious from Paul's anguish over his unbelieving fellow Jews that he didn't think God was finished with the children of Israel. There is no argument that God chose Israel to be His representative people on earth (vv.4-5), but not all will enter into His kingdom because of nationality (vv.6-8). Only those who would receive and believe God's promise, which today through God’s grace, includes you and me (v.25).

Paul had a great burden and desire for his fellow Jews to be saved. We can imitate his example by praying that the gospel will penetrate many Jewish hearts as God's people are drawn to their Messiah. The psalmist urged us, 'Pray for the peace of Jerusalem (Psalm 122:6). Pray that God will enable His ancient people to find the peace that comes through faith in Christ. For we are all one body in Christ.

The Truth
“The gospel is the power of God for the salvation of everyone who believes: first for the Jew, then for the Gentile.” (Romans 1:16)