I was down in v. 17, "If some of the branches have been broken off, and you, though a wild olive shoot, have been grafted in among the others and now share in the nourishing sap from the olive root, do not boast over those branches. If you do, consider this: You do not support the root, but the root supports you. You will say then, 'Branches were broken off so that I could be grafted in.' Granted. But they were broken off because of unbelief, and you stand by faith."
After I read this and the little notes in my Bible I was able to understand the meaning regarding the Jews and Gentiles (us). I had a rush of pure thankfulness towards my Savior. What a beautiful text.
Amazing what you can learn with just a little reading in a good study Bible, isn't it?
ReplyDeleteAs you read on, you'll see one of my favorite verses (29). Israel is God's chosen nation; they cannot/will not be exterminated, even though it has been Satan's mission to wipe them out ever since God CHOSE their ancestor, Abraham.
Israel's choosing and calling is analogous to us. God chooses us, and his calling is "without repentance." He will never change His mind and cast us off, and Satan cannot separate us from the love of Christ. Whew.... What a Savior!!!
26 is another great verse. Only a small fraction of a percent of Israel is Christian today, but the day will come (near the end of the Great Tribulation) when ALL Israel will be saved! That's right, ALL of Israel.
God's preservation of Israel throughout history is tangible proof of His sovereign power and His commitment to keep his promises.
I love Romans! I need to hit the "like" button on your post! =)
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