Focus

Let yourself become open to God and the knowledge that comes from the Word. Ask God for peace at this time.

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Read

Romans 11:1-6 New Revised Standard Version (NRSV)

I ask, then, has God rejected his people? By no means! I myself am an Israelite, a descendant of Abraham, a member of the tribe of Benjamin. God has not rejected his people whom he foreknew. Do you not know what the scripture says of Elijah, how he pleads with God against Israel? “Lord, they have killed your prophets, they have demolished your altars; I alone am left, and they are seeking my life.” But what is the divine reply to him? “I have kept for myself seven thousand who have not bowed the knee to Baal.” So too at the present time there is a remnant, chosen by grace. But if it is by grace, it is no longer on the basis of works, otherwise grace would no longer be grace.

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Reflect

“Tenderness and Firmness”

Focusing Idea: Tenderness and firmness are both attributes of God’s character, each necessary to the full expression of divine love.

In our text for today, Paul writes of the tenderness and the firmness of God. If we come to God repentant and acknowledging that we need help, we will always find the Lord to be tender; that is, to be loving, gracious, open-armed, ready to help, ready to forgive, ready to give us all that we need. However, if we come complaining, excusing ourselves, justifying what we have been doing and trying to make it look good in God’s sight, we will always find that the Lord is as stern as a judge who accepts no excuses. God will always turn a firm face toward those who come in self-pride and justification in their own strength. This was true in Paul’s day, for Jew and Gentile alike, and it is still true today. Like Paul, I cannot answer all the questions surrounding the mystery of Israel’s eternal redemption, but I do know that God always meets genuine repentance with tenderness, compassion, and mercy. This is a reminder to our own hearts of the faithfulness of God. God’s promises will not fail; God’s purposes will never be shortchanged, not for the Jewish people and not for you and me.

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Pray

Gracious God, we praise You for Your faithfulness, for both Your tenderness and Your firmness. Lord, teach us that You are not Someone we can manipulate. Help us to bow before You in humble adoration at the tender grace that reaches out to us when we are ready to admit our need and come before You on contrite repentance. Amen.

Go with God!