Day 42 - Romans 11:7 - 11:16

7 So this is the situation: Most of the people of Israel have not found the favor of God they are looking for so earnestly. A few have—the ones God has chosen—but the hearts of the rest were hardened. 8 As the Scriptures say,

“God has put them into a deep sleep.
To this day he has shut their eyes so they do not see,
    and closed their ears so they do not hear.”
9 Likewise, David said,
“Let their bountiful table become a snare,
    a trap that makes them think all is well.
Let their blessings cause them to stumble,
    and let them get what they deserve.
10 Let their eyes go blind so they cannot see,
    and let their backs be bent forever.”

11 Did God’s people stumble and fall beyond recovery? Of course not! They were disobedient, so God made salvation available to the Gentiles. But he wanted his own people to become jealous and claim it for themselves. 12 Now if the Gentiles were enriched because the people of Israel turned down God’s offer of salvation, think how much greater a blessing the world will share when they finally accept it.

13 I am saying all this especially for you Gentiles. God has appointed me as the apostle to the Gentiles. I stress this, 14 for I want somehow to make the people of Israel jealous of what you Gentiles have, so I might save some of them. 15 For since their rejection meant that God offered salvation to the rest of the world, their acceptance will be even more wonderful. It will be life for those who were dead! 16 And since Abraham and the other patriarchs were holy, their descendants will also be holy—just as the entire batch of dough is holy because the portion given as an offering is holy. For if the roots of the tree are holy, the branches will be, too.

Terrie's Comments:

I can feel Paul's heart for the Israelite's here... He so desires for them to come to a faith in Jesus alone for their salvation.  He is pleading with the Gentiles to live a life that shines like a light to the Jews so that some of them may also be saved.  

I am reminded of the prodigal's son whom Jesus told about... when he returned home His father celebrated greatly because he was dead and now he was alive again!  His father was waiting and longing for the day of his son's return and when he returned His father saw him coming a long way off and ran to meet Him... this is a great picture of God's love for all who are lost (especially the Jews who were set apart for Him since Abraham).  Do we long for those who are lost around us to be saved?

Tori's Comments:

Going to be honest, I don't know many Jewish people. But can I assume to take this mindset with people who bash the faith? That we shouldn't be hardened to them, but always hope for their salvation. And if it does, we celebrate because they have gone from death to life.

Take our personal comments or leave them. We would love to hear what stood out to you about today`s passage and how it encouraged you. Tell us in the comments below!