City Life Starter

I. The Word: Romans 11:1-5

“I say then, God has not rejected His people, has He? May it never be! For I too am an Israelite, a descendant of Abraham, of the tribe of Benjamin. God has not rejected His people whom He foreknew. Or do you not know what the Scripture says in the passage about Elijah, how he pleads with God against Israel? “Lord, THEY HAVE KILLED Y OUR PROPHETS, THEY HAVE TORN DOWN Y OUR ALTARS, AND I ALONE AM LEFT, AND THEY ARE SEEKING MY LIFE.” But what is the divine response to him? “I HAVE KEPT for Myself SEVEN THOUSAND MEN WHO HAVE NOT BOWED THE KNEE TO B AAL.” In the same way then, there has also come to be at the present time a remnant according to God’s gracious choice.”

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II. Reflection Question:

What will be your response to God’s gracious choice of you?

Paul begins Chapter 11 by addressing a conclusion some might draw from Chapter 10, i.e. that because of the hardening of Israel toward Jesus and the gospel God has rejected Israel? Paul rebuts that erroneous assumption by offering himself as proof. He too is an Israelite, but Jesus, in His grace, appeared to him on the road to Damascus and saved him. (v1).

Paul then provides another example of a time when nearly all of Israel turned away from Him. (vv. 2-4). Elijah made the same erroneous assumption when much of Israel turned away from God and worshipped the pagan god, Baal. But God reminded Elijah, “I have kept for myself seven thousand men who have not bowed the knee to Baal.” (Romans 11:4; 1 Kings 19:18) (emphasis added). In both texts what is conspicuous is that God makes it clear it is He who preserved a remnant. 

Paul then drives home the point in verse 5. Even if a hardening has happened to almost all of Israel, this does not mean those Jews who have believed can take any credit for it. Even their salvation is only by God’s gracious choice. (v. 5).

If in reading this you are thinking perhaps Paul is placing a too much emphasis on God’s choice rather than man’s free will in salvation, try pondering the implications of what Paul is saying. First, God could have chosen anyone, but He chose you. that should make you feel loved. 

Second, there is no pride at all you can take in finding Jesus; Jesus found you. It is supremely humbling and leaves no rational basis for any pride whatsoever . . . none. 

The question then becomes: What will your response be to God’s gracious choice of you?