It’s Monday, December 2, 2024. December is the month that culminates in Christmas! Today, we are in the book of Romans, where the Gentiles (non-Jewish people) who believe in and live by faith in Jesus Christ are included in Israel’s birthright. This section of Scripture may contain some challenging passages that raise questions, but here’s the bottom line... Read on…
Today's Reading:
Romans 9,10,11,12
Scripture
“It is not as though God’s word had failed. For not all who are descended from Israel are Israel. Nor because they are his descendants are they all Abraham’s children. On the contrary, ‘It is through Isaac that your offspring will be reckoned.’” (Romans 9:6-7)
Observation
The Apostle Paul redefines the word Israel. It is no longer limited to an ethnic race. As Romans 10:13 affirms, “Anyone who calls on the name of the Lord” is invited to partake in the promise of redemption. God’s plan is expansive, welcoming all nations to participate in His grace. We have been “grafted in,” and because of Jesus, we share in God’s plan for salvation. Israel now includes all of us who are followers of the Promised Messiah—the One we celebrate this Christmas!
Application
This invitation to join His family is a result of God’s mercy, calling us to respond with humility and deep gratitude. All who believe and follow His commands are “grafted in” and made part of God’s family tree. From the very beginning, God planned to include “whosoever will” to come and drink freely from the waters of life (Rev. 22:17).
Although the promise was first given through the Jewish nation, it has now been extended to the entire world. This is why Paul writes to the Romans—a group of non-Jewish believers. Perhaps this book could even be titled: The Book of Paul … to Us.
Prayer
Dear Father, thank You for including us in Your plan! You have grafted us in and made us part of the Branch of David. Thank You for Jesus—I am deeply grateful for Your grace and mercy. This Christmas, there is no greater gift than the Promise of God made flesh, lying in a manger.