Romans 10:14-21 What's Next For Israel?

"The remedy for the Jews' rejection of Christ was discussed in verses 14-17, followed by the results of their rejection in 18-21," my commentary said.

Paul said the remedy was messengers or missionaries taking the good news to the Jewish people.  During this time individual Jews can be saved, but the Jewish nation itself is stayed from believing.  "Individual Jews must believe that Jesus Christ of Nazareth truly is the Son of God and the Messiah of Israel.  It also meant believing in His death and resurrection.  But in order to believe, they must hear the Word ... a herald must be sent, and it is the Lord doing the sending."

Paul uses a quote from Isaiah 52:7 and Nahum 1:15.  "The peace spoken of is peace with God and the peace Christ has effected between Jews and Gentiles by forming one body, the church," my commentary says.  The remedy for Israel's rejection is in hearing the Word of the gospel and believing on Jesus Christ."

"Note that trusting Christ is not only a matter of believing, but also obeying.  Not to believe on Christ is to disobey God ... True faith must touch the will and result in a changed life."

The result of Israel's rejection?  Israel is guilty ... Israel heard, but she would not heed ... The message goes to the Gentiles that they might be saved.  This was predicted by Moses in Deut. 32:21 ... One reason why God sent the gospel to the Gentiles was that they might provoke the Jews to jealousy.  It was an act of grace both to the Jews and to the Gentiles.  The prophet Isaiah predicted too that God would save the Gentiles in Isaiah 65:1 ... Finally, God still yearns for His people ... While Israel as a nation has been set aside, individual Jewish people can be saved and are being saved ... God's favor to the Gentiles did not change His love for the Jews.  Jesus Christ wept over Jerusalem and longed to gather His people in His arms.  Instead, those arms were stretched out on a cross where He willingly died for Jews and Gentiles alike."

Father, thank You for showing me Your love for all, and my part in helping show that love to others to bring them to eternal life in You.  Help me to be used to gather Your children into Your arms.

 

Your Brother In Christ,
Gary Ford