THE FAITHFULNESS OF GOD.
Romans 11:1-2a, Romans 11:29-32.
What is causing Paul so much stress and distress is that Israel ‘have not all obeyed the gospel’ (cf. Romans 10:16). As we enter our present chapter, Paul is asking: Does this then mean that God has “cast away His people” (Romans 11:1)? This is a question expecting the answer, ‘No!’ - and Paul is emphatic in saying so - the dynamic of which is caught in various translations - “God forbid!” “Certainly not!” “By no means!” “What a ghastly thought!” “No way!!!’
No, argues Paul. There is always a remnant, a seed (cf. Romans 11:5) - and his own status is a case in point (Romans 11:1). So, no: “God has not cast away His people whom He foreknew” (Romans 11:2a).
In summary, first Paul says to the Gentile Christians, ‘As concerning the gospel, they are enemies for your sakes: but as touching the election, they are beloved for the fathers’ sakes’ (cf. Romans 11:28). Why? “Because God’s gifts (cf. Romans 9:4-5) and calling are irrevocable” (Romans 11:29; cf. Numbers 23:19).
Secondly, we know from experience that God is merciful. If He has been merciful to we who have been far off, how shall He not be merciful to those who were always His people (Romans 11:30-31)? For God has bound us all over to the dungeon of disobedience, until He should have mercy upon all upon whom He will have mercy (cf. Romans 9:15) - both Jew and Gentile (Romans 11:32).
Let us take strength in the fact of God’s covenant faithfulness and mercy. And let us not forget to pray for the peace of Jerusalem (cf. Psalm 122:6), and the promised salvation of Israel.
It is no wonder that the chapter ends in doxology (cf. Romans 11:33-36)!
