NT Fire Starters – Day 220: Romans 11:25-36

READ: Romans 11:25-36

THINK: Have you ever felt that you had at least a little bit about God figured out–and then He surprised you? Or perhaps you tried to give God some advice, only to be relieved that He didn’t take it after all. While God wants you to know Him deeply, He doesn’t expect you to understand many things about Him or the way He works. Simply know this: God will always do what’s best; He will always keep His Word and He will ultimately accomplish His purposes. It’s just a matter of whether you choose to trust Him and follow Him, even when you don’t understand.

RESPOND: What is Paul referring to when he talks about “the full number of the Gentiles” coming into God’s kingdom? (See 11:25 note.) What does he mean that “all Israel will be saved”? During what particular time period will an exceptional number of Jews turn to God and finally accept Jesus as their Messiah (i.e., Savior, Christ)? What does it mean that “God’s gifts and his call are irrevocable,” and to whom does this statement refer? (See 11:29 note.) In what way are all people “bound…over to disobedience” (v. 32), and in what way has God shown mercy to all? What do verses 33-36 tell you personally about God? What are some of God’s awesome and outstanding traits as highlighted here? What does this passage indicate about God’s wisdom and His judgments in relation to us? (See 11:33-36 note.) What does it mean that “from him [God] and through him and to him are all things (v. 36)”? What is Paul’s response to God in light of God’s awesome attributes?

PRAY: With verses 33-36 as inspiration, praise God for His awesome attributes, including wisdom, justice and mercy.

ACT: Take two brief prayer walks today. During one, walk through a crowded place–perhaps your school halls, a shopping mall or a downtown area. Pray silently for the people you see, most of whom are living in disobedience to God. Pray that they would come to realize the futility and hopelessness of their own ways and that they would submit to God, receiving forgiveness and renewed purpose in life. Then, go somewhere more secluded, where you can ponder the beauty and mystery of creation. As you walk, worship God for His awesome power and creativity.