There’s something I want to speak to here that doesn’t necessarily have to do with being a Mom, but more in being a Believer in general. It’s not my role here to teach theology or to correct, but there is something on my heart that bears sharing as I think it is vital for us “Gentile” Christians to remember.
I’ve been hearing a lot about Israel and the end times. I’ve been hearing about something called “replacement theology” where people actually believe that Christians have replaced the Jews as far as blessing and covenants go. So when I was reading through Romans the other day this portion of scripture really stood out to me and I think it’s a good reminder to all of us, no matter what your theology or disposition.
Paul is talking about how we gentiles have been grafted in because the Jews wouldn’t listen and accept the gospel. (Romans 11: 16-22 NKJV)
For if the firstfruit is holy, the lump is also holy; and if the root is holy, so are the branches. And if some of the branches were broken off, and you, being a wild olive tree, were grafted in among them, and with them became a partaker of the root and fatness of the olive tree, do not boast against the branches. But if you do boast, remember that you do not support the root, but the root supports you. You will say then, “Branches were broken off that I might be grafted in.” Well said. Because of unbelief they were broken off, and you stand by faith. Do not be haughty, but fear. For if God did not spare the natural branches, He may not spare you either. Therefore consider the goodness and severity of God: on those who fell, severity; but toward you, goodness, if you continue in His goodness. Otherwise you also will be cut off.
My oh my this is both thrilling and terrifying—like some ride an adrenaline junky might enjoy! On one hand Paul is saying we are very fortunate* that the Jews didn’t believe, because if they had, we would never even have a chance to be grafted in! On the other hand he’s saying if you don’t remember this and continue to remember this, you just might be cut off like they were! SCARY! That’s why he said, “but fear.”
So my encouragement for you today is to not argue with others about the doubtful things of end time philosophy and don’t worry about the cares of this world, but remember that you are grafted in. We have been adopted by the Father and it is an amazing wondrous GIFT! We were unworthy, yet he made us worthy. We were nothing, yet he made us something. We have the words of life and we know the pathway to heaven—don’t forget these things. In the midst of diapers and laundry and meals and crying children and housework it’s hard to remember this. But I want you to remember it because it will instantly put you in a place of reverence and peace and soberness and make everything else around you pale in comparison to what God has done for you!
For as you were once disobedient to God, yet have now obtained mercy through their disobedience, even so these also have now been disobedient, that through the mercy shown you they also may obtain mercy. For God has committed them all to disobedience, that He might have mercy on all. Oh, the depth of the riches both of the wisdom and knowledge of God! How unsearchable are His judgments and His ways past finding out! Romans 11: 30-33
Glory! Glory! Glory!
*If you’ve walked with the Lord for a while, you probably understand that God already knew that the Jews would reject His Son, therefore He already had the details of our adoption worked out! Amazing! And if you don’t have any idea what I’m talking about and want to learn more about being adopted by the King drop me an email at: carissablanchard@gmail.com
1 comment:
Love this!! We must avoid the temptation to argue amongst ourselves about so many things that we don't or can't fully understand. Our focus should be on Christ, what he has done for us, and how we can share his message with the lost rather than trying to be "right".
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