Romans 11:25-32 (VOICE)
25 My brothers and sisters, I do not want you to be in the dark about this mystery [sacred secret]—I am going to let you in on the plan so that you will not think too highly of yourselves. A part of Israel has been hardened [stubborn and unwilling to learn something new] to the good news until the full number of those outside the Jewish family have entered in.
26 This is the way that all of Israel will be saved. As it was written, so it also stands:
The Deliverer [Rescuer] will come from Zion;
He will drive away wickedness [the evil one] from Jacob [Israel].
27
And this is My covenant promise to them,
on the day when I take away their sins.
28 It may seem strange. When it comes to the work of the gospel, the fact that they oppose it is actually for your benefit. But when you factor in God’s election, they are truly loved because they descended from faithful forefathers. 29 You see, when God gives a grace gift and issues a call to a people, He does not change His mind and take it back. 30 There was a time when you outsiders were disobedient to God and at odds with His purpose, but now you have experienced mercy as a result of their disobedience. 31 In the same way, their disobedience now will make a way for them to receive mercy as a result of the mercy shown to you. 32 For God has assigned all of us together—Jews and non-Jews, insiders and outsiders—to disobedience so He can show His mercy to all.
The other day a dear friend thanked me for having a graphic “Pray for the Peace of Jerusalem” on the Connect2Christ Church electronic sign. I am not surprised at all by her comment, but it blessed me that she affirmed the magnitude of the message. Do you pray for Israel and the peace of Jerusalem which is also known as Mt. Zion?
In our passage today, the Apostle Paul imparts the Truth of God’s sacred plan to the believers in Rome and beyond. He encourages believers to identify with Jerusalem; to nurture a kinship with Israel. No arrogance against the Jews is valid before God. Jesus himself taught there and attended the Feast of Tabernacles (John 7:14). So many of Christ’s teachings and miracles took place in and around Jerusalem. It remains the Cornerstone that joins the Jewish and Christian faith in worship of our Creator and Lord. As believers, we are instructed to pray for Jerusalem, because our spiritual life and energy flows from the root, Israel. God is the Gardner who has engrafted non-Jews with Jews. We pray for Israel to recognize Jesus and receive their Christ—Messiah. It was always a part of God’s plan to connect the human creation with himself—He is the Tree of Life.
Next Monday, we begin our celebration of the Feast of Tabernacles—Sukkot—recognizing the miracle of when God delivered Israel from Egypt—a land that played two roles: a place of refuge from famine or threat, as well as a place of bondage and slavery. This world can be both, right? God always wanted to be the King of his creation and to tabernacle with us; for this reason the Lord came to save and redeem the world with his own holiness. One day, Christ will return to rule in the realm called the New Jerusalem or Zion filled with people who have been clothed with glory and beauty because they have chosen Christ as King (Rev. 14:1-2).
Prayer: Lord, thank you for connecting your spiritual family to the root of Israel in order to bring salvation. Please come and bring the world under