Bible Study with Danelle

Oh how great is our God!

Paul starts bringing all of the discussion regarding Gentile vs Jew into full circle and man is it amazing!

At first this section was hard for me to read and discern what it meant, but a few resources really helped me that might help you as well:

• Reading the Message version of the Bible for this section brought me more clarity on what it is saying.
• This devotional from the Bible.com by Mark Driscoll. Again, he has great insight into this section of Romans.

Paul is explaining how the Jews during that time (and now) did not believe in Jesus as Christ. Some thought (and still think) he was maybe a prophet of some sort, but very few believe that he is the Son of God. The Savior that was promised and foretold by Isaiah and other prophets.

Paul states that they have a “partial hardening”. I interpret this to mean that they believe in God, but they have not opened up completely to believe in Christ. Paul tells us this is temporary, meaning that at some point they will come around and believe. Some think this will happen during the time of tribulation or second coming of Christ.

In the meantime, God will use the Gentiles (non-jews) to spread the message of Christ.

…until the fullness of the Gentiles has come in.”

Romans 11:25

What does that mean? Some believe it means that this “hardening” or rejecting Jesus as Christ won’t end until God’s purpose of inviting all people of all nations into a personal relationship with Him is fulfilled.

We know that God has a mysterious plan that is so detailed and so specific. When you look back at the New Testament and how it was foreshadowed in the Old Testament, it is amazing how it all fits together. Like an infinite number of puzzle pieces, each different and specifically designed to fit together to make a wonderful masterpiece.

That is God’s plan.

At this point in writing, I can imagine Paul laying all this out for the Roman people and then just being so overwhelmed with the mastery of God that he exclaims:

Oh, the depth of the riches and wisdom and knowledge of God! How unsearchable are his judgements and how inscrutable his ways!

Romans 11:33

And Paul reminds us that from Him, through Him and to Him are ALL things!

To God be the glory!

Today I pray that you remember the amazing purpose that God has. We are all part of this big, beautiful masterpiece that God is placing each and every puzzle piece exactly where He needs it at exactly the time He needs it. Every piece is important and while sometimes we may feel forgotten or ignored, He is still there but waiting for His perfect timing for things to come together for His glory. Just as He is working on a whole nation of people, He is also working on us individually. What a beautiful mystery and I can’t wait to see the finale!