Word for the day by Christian Education Forum

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Lent: Time of Transformation

Romans 11:13-24

Sherly Thomas

St. Thomas MTC, NY

“Do not boast over those branches. If you do, consider this: you do not support the root, but the root supports you.” v. 18

The major theme of Romans is the basic Gospel, God’s plan of salvation and righteousness for all mankind, Jew and Gentile alike. The problem of rejection of Israel can be seen in this chapter. Verses 1-10 we read that the rejection was not total, 11-24 the rejection is not final and in 25-36 God’s ultimate purpose is mercy.
In John chapter 1:11-12 says Jesus came to that which was his own, but his own did not receive him. Yet to all who received him, to those who believed in His name, he gave the right to become children of God.
Paul says that God used the salvation of the Gentiles to provoke the Jews. Salvation is preached to the Gentiles and many are coming to know God through the Gospel of Grace.
Since the natural branch (Israel) is broken off, the wild branch (Gentiles) is grafted in, and now they have the privilege to have a personal relationship with God. God in His Grace has turned the fall of Israel into the blessing of the Gentiles.
Paul reminds the redeemed Gentiles that they should not boast about their new position in Jesus Christ. God who grafted the Gentiles can break them off if they boast over their position. Israel had become unfruitful and so others were grafted in their place. And if the Gentiles become arrogant and prideful, they will also become unfruitful and will be broken off. If Israel turns to God, they will be grafted back in again.
Therefore, we have to understand that God is in control and not the individual. In verse 18 we read that “The branches do not support the root, it is the root that supports the branches. And we need to remember that we are saved by the pure Grace of God. We have nothing to boast about. It is all the work of God and His Grace alone.

PRAYER

Our Heavenly Gracious Father, we thank You for Your great love showered upon us. Help us to humble ourselves and know that we are saved by Your grace alone. In Jesus precious name we pray, Amen.
THOUGHT FOR THE DAY:
“For it is by grace you have been saved, through faith and this is not from yourselves, it is the gift of God not by works, so that no one can boast. “ Ephesians 2:8-9 

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