So I ask, did they stumble in order that they might fall? By no means! Rather, through their trespass salvation has come to the Gentiles, so as to make Israel jealous. Now if their trespass means riches for the world, and if their failure means riches for the Gentiles, how much more will their full inclusion mean!
God’s plan for salvation is slightly broader than we often think. When we think about salvation, we often think about ourselves, people we know, or different people groups around the world. If we are feeling especially broad in our thinking, we will think about those people groups over the span of history. These thoughts often cause us to experience the very real gap between our understanding and the understanding of God.
In Romans 11, we see that God’s view is, as usual, higher than ours. Through Paul’s writing, we see God’s consideration for the salvation of the individual and the salvation of His people. Romans 11 shows us that God takes His considerations beyond the individual and the group by exploring the dynamic between the salvation of the Gentiles and the Jews.
We see the dynamic through the following:
Israel has failed to accept Christ, but this state is not permanent (v. 11a).*
The immediate use of their failing is to bring salvation to the Gentiles (vv. 11b, 12).*
The more distant purpose is to make Israel jealous through the Gentiles (vv. 11c, 14).*
This will eventually bring Israel back to God (vv. 14–16).*
Often we think of dynamics in life as win-lose where some in the game win while others must lose. For God, He uses the failings of some for the winning of all who believe; He uses it all for the good of those who love Him and diligently seek Him.
Maybe in life you cannot see how your failings could be used for good. Maybe you have seen those that you look to as an example fail, and it seems hopeless. Perhaps there are things in your life that you need God to save, but He hasn’t yet.
Today, take a step.
Maybe today the one step God wants you to take is to remember that He even uses failings to bring people closer to Him. Perhaps God wants you to take a moment to thank Him for using the imperfections of the people in your life to bring you to Him. Maybe today, God wants you to trust Him for the timing of the salvation you desire from a situation.
Whatever the step, ask God to direct it. Take a moment to take that step. Invite Him to speak. He will.
Life is a long road. Walk it with Jesus.
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*Kruse, C. G. (2012). Paul’s Letter to the Romans (D. A. Carson, Ed.; p. 421–448). William B. Eerdmans Publishing Company; Apollos.
Osborne, G. R. (2004). Romans (pp. 290–316). InterVarsity Press.
Morris, L. (1988). The Epistle to the Romans (pp. 405–430). W.B. Eerdmans; Inter-Varsity Press.
Moo, D. J. (2000). Romans (p. 362–392). Zondervan Publishing House.