Tuesday, July 15, 2014

Tuesday, July 15, 2014

Romans 11:13-24

“So do not become proud, but stand in awe.”

Paul's transformation inspires me. Decades before, zealous for his Jewish faith, he guarded the overcoats of those who stoned Stephen and then began his own campaign to persecute Christians. Now, fully convinced of the message that sent Stephen to his death, he is trying to figure out how Jews fit into God’s plan for the world.

Paul does not seem to make the same distinction between Jew and Christian that we take for granted today. Yes, Jews and Gentiles are different, but Jesus’ universal message of salvation abolishes the distinction based on God’s favor.

From his new perspective, Paul tries to understand Israel’s rejection of Christ. He is convinced that Israel’s disobedience was the cause of Gentile inclusion. Paul’s logic is strained. If every Jew had fully accepted Christ’s message, would the Gentiles remain outside God’s favor? On the contrary, I think of the promise to Abraham: God blessed Israel so they would become a blessing to the world. Isaiah prophesied, “Nations shall come to your light.”

I do not buy his faulty logic, but his deeper universal message enchants me. God’s rejection of Israel is only apparent; God’s love includes them still. Paul warns the Gentiles away from pride and the temptation to think they are God’s chosen race.

Are we willing to stand in awe of God’s universal love or are we content to sit in our exclusive camps?

- David Shumaker