Safe in God’s hands

 

 

READ Romans 9-12

Our oldest son used to “what if” to the point that my husband forbid it. The little guy would say things like, “What if I killed a worm and a bird died because he needed that worm to keep from starving, and what if the song of that missing bird could not warn a . . . .” and on he went. This boy had the mind of a prophet and still thinks about the ramifications of small actions, now called the ‘butterfly effect’ — but he usually can discern real possibilities from his vivid imagination.

The words of Romans 9-11 remind me of him, but I know that Paul was writing under the inspiration of the Holy Spirit without any imaginative ‘what ifs’ in his words, even if it reads like that to some. The Bible says that God’s plan to choose Israel included their rejection of Christ and His crucifixion — that sin could be forgiven and sinners could be saved from its penalty and power. This plan was first for the Jews, but when they refused to believe . . .

What shall we say, then? That Gentiles who did not pursue righteousness have attained it, that is, a righteousness that is by faith; but that Israel who pursued a law that would lead to righteousness did not succeed in reaching that law. Why? Because they did not pursue it by faith, but as if it were based on works. They have stumbled over the stumbling stone, as it is written, “Behold, I am laying in Zion a stone of stumbling, and a rock of offense; and whoever believes in him will not be put to shame.” Brothers, my heart’s desire and prayer to God for them is that they may be saved. For I bear them witness that they have a zeal for God, but not according to knowledge. For, being ignorant of the righteousness of God, and seeking to establish their own, they did not submit to God’s righteousness. For Christ is the end of the law for righteousness to everyone who believes. (Romans 9:30–10:4)

That rejection gave opportunity to Gentiles for salvation by faith, not by law-keeping and their own efforts. The plan then included envy on the part of the Jews so that they would also be saved.

So I ask, did they stumble in order that they might fall? By no means! Rather, through their trespass salvation has come to the Gentiles, so as to make Israel jealous. Now if their trespass means riches for the world, and if their failure means riches for the Gentiles, how much more will their full inclusion mean! Now I am speaking to you Gentiles. Inasmuch then as I am an apostle to the Gentiles, I magnify my ministry in order somehow to make my fellow Jews jealous, and thus save some of them. For if their rejection means the reconciliation of the world, what will their acceptance mean but life from the dead? (Romans 11:11–15)

History since then tells of the growth of the church in the non-Jewish world and blindness in the hearts of those whom God first called. However, change is happening as the very people who rejected their Messiah are beginning to think differently. With that, God says to the Gentiles . . .

For just as you were at one time disobedient to God but now have received mercy because of their disobedience, so they too have now been disobedient in order that by the mercy shown to you they also may now receive mercy. For God has consigned all to disobedience, that he may have mercy on all. Oh, the depth of the riches and wisdom and knowledge of God! How unsearchable are his judgments and how inscrutable his ways! (Romans 11:30–33)

This plan rattles those who think salvation depends on our choices and decisions. Without the mercy of God, no one would be saved. No one can ‘what if’ concerning God; we would never dream up such plans!

These three chapters make me tremble, thankful to God and with great desire to love and serve Him. Chapter 12 gets practical and tells me how; not by keeping rules but by being a different person, a person transformed by faith and by God renewing my mind, changing my attitudes, and trusting Him with everything. Everything.

I can use imagination to ‘what if’ but far better to think of God’s goodness and power and trust Him with the hours, days, and weeks ahead — and to do His will in tune with His love and wisdom. I don’t need to ‘what if’ concerning His faithfulness or my future or the future of this world — because all that He promises happens.

 Oh Lord God, thank You for being You, for bringing to us the reality of who You are and what You are doing! Our lives are safely in Your hands.