Scripture Reading: Romans 11:13- 24

Noting Severity and Kindness

Often believers are asked to read and respond to some of the horrific Old Testament acts of God’s judgment. For many Christians whose one- dimensional view of God is simply love, it can be shocking to read about God’s holy wrath. Romans 11 supplies a much fuller vision of God, harmonizing two aspects of his nature − severity and kindness − and not setting one against the other.

The Jews who had the Covenant promise (“You shall be my people and I shall be your God”) had no time for the Messiah, Immanuel (“God with us”). And by rejecting Jesus and his salvation, God in judgment and justice, severely cuts them off.

The Gentiles, with no rights to any of the Covenant promises, by being in Christ have been adopted into the family of Abraham, grafted by kindness to join the Israel of God.

God doubles down on his kindness, by offering Christ to the unbelieving Jews and the promise that all who believe shall be grafted back to where they naturally belong.