Day 333

O. Book of Romans (from Corinth) ~ cont.
2. Relationship of the Jews to the gospel - Romans 9:1-33; 10:1-21; 11:1-36


(For the children being not yet born, neither having done any good or evil, that the purpose of God according to election might stand, not of works, but of Him that calleth;)  (Romans 9:11)


Election - predestination - foreknowledge - called.  These are all words readily found in Scripture.  Yet there are many who do not know or understand God's electing grace.  I know that only Father can open a person's understanding regarding His sovereignty.  There are many who fight against it.  We, as humans, want to think that we are in control.  We completely miss the fact that we belong to someone...we are either a servant to satan or to God.  Satan, by default, gets everyone that God has not chosen.  Many claim that God electing some is unfair to those who are left on the broad path of destruction.  Not one person whom God has ever called to be His child deserved that distinction.  Not one.  We all deserved to be left wallowing in the muck and mire of sin, headed for an eternity separated from the Father of Lights.


To claim that God is unfair sets one up as a judge of the Creator of everything.  Dare we lift ourselves above HIS throne?  Who are we to tell the Supreme Being who breathed the world into existence that HIS plans and purposes are not fair?  We, who can not even number our days, much less the hairs on our heads?  How proud and haughty are we, when we presume to tell God how to run HIS creation and deal with HIS vessels.


So then faith cometh by hearing, and hearing by the word of God.  (Romans 10:17)


I was browsing commentaries and thought I'd check and see if Spurgeon had sermons on the verse.  It is here if you'd like to read it for yourself.


For if the firstfruit be holy, the lump is also holy: and if the root be holy, so are the branches.  And if some of the branches be broken off, and thou, being a wild olive tree, wert grafted in among them, and with them partakest of the root and fatness of the olive tree; Boast not against the branches.  But if thou boast, thou bearest not the root, but the root thee.  (Romans 11:16-18)


I've been pondering that word: roots.  The need for the Bride to return to her 1st century roots.  I recently made that comment to someone and they asked me what that would look like.  I've been researching that topic, working my way through.  Exploring the history of the church.  What did the 1st century church do for worship?  How did they conduct themselves?  Where did they meet?  Why do the various churches have such a difference in their worship services?  How was it decided what must be done, when and how?  How closely aligned with their Jewish roots were they?  They obviously met on the Sabbath (7th day) as it is mentioned frequently.  They met in synagogues.  It appears that Paul taught on the 1st day, at least once.  They went from house to house breaking bread.  They sold things and had them in common.  They attended to the needs of the widows.  They expounded the word (would have originally been the Old Testament).  They would have shared the epistles as they were written and distributed.  They were exhorted that when they came together everyone had a psalm, doctrine, tongue, revelation, interpretation.  That the men were in a position of authority to give forth the Word (and were obviously expected to be studied).  Women were not to teach men, but to remain silent.  That the Gentile converts were not under the obligation to be circumcised.  The elders at Jerusalem knew that Moses was being preached in the synagogues each Sabbath and thought that the Gentile converts would be made familiar with the writings of the Old Testament.  Paul appeared to continue to keep some of the feasts.  Lots to think about on this issue.  Lots to pray about.


...until the fullness of the Gentiles be come in.  (Romans 11:25)


The fullness of the Gentiles - Israel is blind in part until then.  I know ultimately God has already decided, curious as to what indicators (if any) would determine the fullness.  Definitely more questions than answers...I'm glad we will have eternity...it will take me all of that to get through my list of why, who, how, when, etc.  :-)


As concerning the gospel, they are enemies for your sakes: but as touching the election, they are beloved for the fathers' sakes.  (Romans 11:28)


That is a weighty thought, Israel is treated as an enemy of the gospel for my sake and the other Gentiles.  That we might have opportunity to hear and heed the gospel message.  It appears that there will be a time when Israel will once again be given an opportunity to 'hear' the gospel.  What a glorious thought that they will see and recognize the Messiah that they rejected, crucified and denied.


O the depth of the riches both of the wisdom and knowledge of God! how unsearchable are HIS judgments, and HIS ways past finding out!  (Romans 11:33)


As one who likes to study and dig, what an awesome invitation and thought.  A never ending delight into the mystery of the Creator.  Join in, pick a book, dig into it.  Delve into the depths of HIS word, delight yourself with the wonders He has given us to explore.  Read the Word.