Paul’s Letter to the Romans was written to Romans! I just thought I would begin today with a profound statement. Specifically, of course, it is written to the “beloved of God, called saints” in Rome. The breadth of this letter, covering the entire process of God’s intended work in the lives of all men, is fitting to be sent to the capital of the empire. Paul is the “Apostle to the Gentiles” so the believers in the leading city of the Gentiles should receive this letter. But having said that, the “Apostle to the Gentiles” has a lot to say about Israel, the one and only people-group not called “gentiles.” “For the Jew first” (1:16). The guilt of the Jews (2:17-29) in spite of their advantage (3:1-8). The lesson of faith from Israel’s greatest: Abraham and David (Ch. 4). The inadequacy of the Law of Moses, God’s word given to Israel (Ch. 7).
And then, of course, there is Rom. 9-11. Leading up to this section Paul has been fairly negative about Israel in that he has pointed out their sin and their failed attempt at righteousness by the law. Furthermore, Paul and the rest of the early Christians knew of the prophecies of Jesus that Israel’s failure was going to bring about a terrible judgment from God (Luke 23:26-31). I would say with great confidence that these ominous words of Jesus were behind Paul’s “great sorrow and continual grief” at the beginning of the section (9:1-5).
Yet, the end of the section says that “all Israel will be saved” (11:26), “the gifts and calling of God are irrevocable” (11:29) and “how unsearchable are His judgments and His ways past finding out” (11:33)! I think it’s obvious, but some students of Romans seem to miss it, that Paul is giving a clear message of assurance that God will, as always, be faithful to His words. This faithfulness includes keeping the promises made to Israel. This was always part of the prophetic message in the OT. The prophets announced judgment on Israel but then reassured them that Israel still had a future in God’s great wisdom. Here are 3 of the many illustrations of this.
· Isa. 40-66 is all about this. Comfort for Israel who has received double for her sins (40:1-2). Isaiah has prophesied judgment, a terrible judgment from Babylon. Israel thinks “My way is hidden from the LORD, and my just claim is passed over by my God,” a thought expressed in 40:27; 49:14 and 59:1. But 40-66 ends with the arrival of Messiah with the bloody robe (63:1-6) and a new heavens and earth (66:22-24).
· Lamentations was written by Jeremiah as he experienced the destruction of the temple and Jerusalem by the Babylonians. His great sorrow and continual grief if emphatic. And remember, in the book that bears his name, he had prophesied this coming judgment. Yet, what do we know of Lamentations? The words in the middle: “Great is Your faithfulness” (3:22-24)! Again, Jeremiah wrote to tell the remnant to wait on the LORD. He would keep His word, His covenant with Israel.
· The Psalms of Asaph (Book III of Psalms, Ps. 73-89) collectively have this message. Look at Ps. 79. The nations have come into Your inheritance; Your holy temple they have defiled; they have laid Jerusalem in heaps. The dead bodies of Your servants they have given as food for the birds of the heavens, the flesh of Your saints to the beasts of the earth (v1-4). The question is: How long, LORD? Will You be angry forever?” (v5). The prayer is, Help us, O God of our salvation, for the glory of Your name; and deliver us, and provide atonement for our sins, for Your name’s sake (v9).
Thus, we conclude, Paul is obligated to do the same thing. It might seem to some that God is finished with Israel, especially since they crucified the Lord of glory! But Paul says, don’t think like that! Trust in the wisdom of God. He has a plan that confounds the wisest of men, a plan whereby He keep His word. ALL HIS WORDS!
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