INSCRUTABLE GOD
Erin Kranz
Today's Scripture: “So too at the present time there is a remnant, chosen by grace. But if it is by grace, it is no longer on the basis of works; otherwise grace would no longer be grace.” Romans 11:5-6, ESV
Theme: Every believer is chosen, yet none deserves to be selected – it's through grace for all of us.
GOD’S REMNANT
If I’m being honest, I’ve always struggled with grasping Romans 11. As backstory, God had elected Israel as His chosen people, but we see they continually rejected Him time and time again. In the New Testament, God extends the opportunity for fellowship with Himself to the Gentiles (non-Jews) also. When Paul wrote this letter to the Romans, the church was a mix of both Jews and Gentiles who were fighting over the “right” way to do things. But beyond that, there were also problematic feelings of entitlement and feared neglect that had to be dealt with as well.
Paul starts Romans 1 by answering the question, “I ask, then, has God rejected his people? By no means!” (Romans 11:1a). That seems a fair question, since the rest of the chapter tackles the idea that part of Israel has had hard hearts, which means the Gentiles could be “grafted in” (vs. 19). Paul also shared that, even then as also now, God has claimed a “remnant” for Himself. There are many difficult subjects in this chapter, from salvation to election and more.
STILL GRACE
But there are two things I cling to here – the first being God’s overwhelming grace. Paul reiterated this throughout his letter, but we truly can rest in the fact that salvation “is no longer on the basis of works; otherwise grace would no longer be grace.” What a freeing place to be!
The second is the idea God’s ways are beyond our ability to grasp – “Oh, the depth of the riches and wisdom and knowledge of God! How unsearchable are his judgments and how inscrutable his ways! ‘For who has known the mind of the Lord, or who has been his counselor?’” (Romans 11:33-34, ESV). If you’re a control freak like me, this takes some getting used to. But again, what freedom can be found in acknowledging the “inscrutable,” mysterious power of God and releasing everything to Him! Even when I don’t understand, I know God and who He is, and that is enough.
Make It Personal: It’s okay to wrestle with Scripture. Romans is a theologically dense study, so take the time to meet with God and be honest about the areas you don’t understand. But we can also begin our time with Him the way Jesus did in the Lord’s prayer, “Our Father in heaven, hallowed be your name” (Matthew 6:9b, ESV). Begin by acknowledging God and who He is. Reflect on His power, but also His grace.
Pray: Dear God, You alone are powerful. You alone are good. Your wisdom is beyond my understanding, help me to accept it by faith. Thank You for the gift of grace and for extending that gift to all. Help me to be open and share that gift with others. In Jesus’ Name, Amen.
Read: Romans 11:1-24
Weekly Memory Verse: “because, if you confess with your mouth that Jesus is Lord and believe in your heart that God raised him from the dead, you will be saved.” Romans 10:9, ESV