"Has God Rejected Israel? No!"

“Has God Rejected Israel? No!”

By Pastor Rich Paradis

Romans 11:1-10

 

Romans 9:6 comes immediately to mind as we go forward in our study of Romans 11. It reminded us of the fact that God’s word never fails. He is consistent, merciful, and faithful. But at the conclusion of chapter 10, one might begin to wonder as Isaiah 65:2 is quoted in explaining national Israel and its disobedience and obstinacy before God. Perhaps God has had enough? Maybe they have “gone too far” this time? Paul continues his discussion of Israel and offers some very clear examples to his statement, “May it never be!” in response to whether God has rejected Israel.

 

I.                   Has God Rejected Israel? No! The Example of Paul Himself    Romans 11:1

a.       As we continue into chapter 11 from chapter 10, let’s remember that our chapter designations were not a part of the original text. This fact helps us as we consider the question that opens Verse 1.

b.      The question on the table after the abrupt and strong ending of chapter 10 is this, “Has God rejected His people, Israel?”. Paul has already explained his love and concern for the nation of Israel in 9:1-3 and 10:1. He loves these people and desires nothing more than then their ultimate salvation. But Isaiah 65:2 that is quoted at the end of chapter 10 shudders the heart of love without some explanation.

c.       Romans 9:6 offered some very helpful insight as it shared that there is a distinction between “National Israel” and “Spiritual Israel”. National Israel is the designation of all that have a Jewish lineage; those descended from  the Jews. On the other hand, Spiritual Israel is a designation of those that have trusted in Christ for their salvation and for their eternity.

d.      Romans 10:16 says that “all did not heed the good news”. That is, some have embraced the gospel message and some have rejected it. Paul, anticipating another question from his readers, asks it himself in the letter. With the fact that some “do not heed” and the additional insight into the heart condition of National Israel, has all of National Israel been rejected?

e.       Paul is very quick to give the answer that he has so often offered to these anticipated questions, “May it never be!”. And he offers a contemporary example to prove his answer: Himself.

f.       Paul shares that he is an Israelite. This fact is also confirmed in both 2 Corinthians 11:22 and Philippians 3:5. It is noteworthy that Paul mentions the fact that he is from the tribe of Benjamin. Though small, the tribe of Benjamin is significant in that Israel’s first king, Saul, was from this tribe.

g.      If Paul could be, and he was (Acts 9) saved, than God could and would certainly save other Jews. But even if Paul had been the only Jew that had been saved, it would be proof positive that God had not forgotten or rejected His people.

 

II.                Has God Rejected Israel? No! The Example from the Old Testament    Romans 11:2-6

a.       Before offering an Old Testament example to the proof of God not rejecting His people, Paul continues the discussion in Verse 2 with a reminder of his own words in 8:29. Psalm 94:14 is an interesting cross reference. Psalm 94:5 speaks of a group that is crushing the people of God and afflicting their heritage. Verse 14 reminds the reader of the fact that God will not abandon the vulnerable and will provide them a heritage in Him. The very same thing is happening today as the “vulnerable”, those under the press of the world, are provided an inheritance in Him by salvation.

b.      Paul continues with an example from the Old Testament. With the contemporary example before them of himself, Paul now launches into an example from the life of Elijah. 1 Kings 19 is the background story for Verses 3 and 4 as verses 10, 14, and 18 are in focus. Elijah has for the moment escaped the evil Jezebel and is sharing with God the troubles that he is currently going through. In verses 10 and 14, he unfolds his plight before God and shares that “he is alone and they seek my life”. He also shares of the disobedience and the wickedness of the sons of Israel in breaking the covenant and currently threatening his life.

c.       God’s response in 1 Kings 19:18 is that Elijah is not correct as he reports his “aloneness”. He notes a “remnant” of 7000 that have not bowed to Baal. With that encouraging piece of information, God sends Elijah on to more ministry.

d.      The answer to Elijah’s question in 1 Kings 19:10 and 14 is answered in 1 Kings 19:18. Paul’s question in Romans 11:1 is answered in Romans 11:5.

e.       Verses 5-6 tell us that there will be a remnant from National Israel that will be saved. But this remnant will not be a result of their hard work or their obedience. This elective choice will be God’s alone. He will make this choice based on His mercy and His promises to Israel, not because of their character or performance.

f.       The fact is, this choice is made by grace, not works. If the choice were made by performance or heritage, than grace would not be the means of God’s elective choice.

 

III.             If God Hasn’t Rejected Israel, What’s Going On?    Romans 11:7-10

a.       Paul has now offered two examples of the fact that God has not rejected National Israel, himself and the remnant of 7000 that did not bow to Baal in 1 Kings 19. So what’s going on then? Why does National Israel seem to be off the radar and out of the plans of God? They aren’t, but they sure seem that way.

b.      Romans 9:31 is back in focus as Verse 7 opens up. National Israel was trying to obtain favor with God through their performance and was failing. On the other hand, there are those that are of the elect that have and will obtain it. The verse continues by saying that those that are not of the elect were “hardened”.

c.       What does this mean? We are given an insight into its meaning in Verses 8-10. With much more explanation coming in the upcoming lessons, Paul offers Deuteronomy 29:3-4 and Isaiah 29:10 in Verse 8 to begin the answer. He continues by quoting Psalm 69:22-23. In Verses 9-10. The results of divine “hardening” are a spiritual drowsiness, numbness, blindness and deafness for now. The very things that should be a blessing to them (their table and bounty) are a stumbling block to them.

                                                              i.      Without losing the fact that National Israel is the focus of our discussion, do you think that we in the United States could have a similar “hardening” as a result of God’s blessings and our disobedience? (Discuss)

d.      There will be much more to the answer of what this “hardening” looks like and how long it will last in the lessons to come. But for now, National Israel continues to be under this “hardening”.

 

IV.             An Application For All Of Us

a.       Remember, God’s choices are based on His mercy and His compassion.

Remember, God’s choices are always right because