ROMANS 11
30 For just as you were at one time disobedient to God but now have received mercy because of their disobedience, 31 so they too have now been disobedient in order that by the mercy shown to you they also may nowreceive mercy. 32 For God has consigned all to disobedience, that he may have mercy on all. 33 Oh, the depth of the riches and wisdom and knowledge of God! How unsearchable are his judgments and how inscrutable his ways! 34 “For who has known the mind of the Lord, or who has been his counselor?” 35 “Or who has given a gift to him that he might be repaid?”36 For from him and through him and to him are all things. To him be glory forever. Amen. – Romans 11:30-36
ROMANS 11 GOD’S MERCY ON ALL
A poem by ILMA inspired by these verses
If you heard the gospel, you will know God’s loving kindness
He gave his only begotten Son Jesus so that we can be redeemed
Though we were disobedient to God, he granted us mercy and grace
His steadfast love was made manifest in Jesus’ sacrifice on the cross.
Have you ever been shown undeserved forgiveness for something you did wrong? Has someone paid a debt you owed and granted you the freedom from that slavery? I could not remember anyone doing that for me in over six decades of my life, except my heavenly Father. That is what he gave freely to all of his image bearers. God made us all in his image but sin twisted that beautiful plan he had for all humanity. The devil stole that purpose that we were all made for. We were all made to have a full relationship with God and follow all that he had envisioned our lives to be. He wanted us all to walk in righteousness and be free from any form of bondage or slavery.
Paul emphasizes in this letter that the mercy of God is given to all. What then is the problem of humanity? Why can’t we receive the mercy and grace that he gives us freely? Because sin has tainted our hearts and minds with pride, it is impossible for us to accept God’s gifts and calling. This is why he had to give his Son, Jesus to us so that we can have that ability to receive the unconditional love he gave us, but there is a requirement for us to receive it. We must believe in Jesus Christ and rely on his finished work on the cross.
REFLECTION
- Why do you think it is difficult for us humans to receive God’s mercy?
