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Romans 11:7-10
The Apostle Paul is striving to show – even Israel – that God is in control and always has been. The “work” that they have been striving to “do” is not with a sincere heart in obedience to God in the way that He has taught them. There is such a strong inclination from Israel that they are the only people that are “allowed” to be saved, but this is not the case as God made it clear during the Exodus that anyone who is sincere in worshiping Him is to be included as “Israel.” When God gave the regulations for the Passover in Exodus 12:43-51, He clearly states that no foreigner shall eat of it, but God also goes on to instruct Moses in Exodus 12:48-49 (NKJV), “And when a stranger dwells with you and wants to keep the Passover to the LORD, let all his males be circumcised, and then let him come near and keep it; and he shall be as a native of the land. For no uncircumcised person shall eat it. One law shall be for the native-born and for the stranger who dwells among you.” So we see here that even when God was giving the Law to Moses, He was giving it to all those who will come near to Him and “wants” to be obedient to Him. God has always given His blessings to everyone who seeks obedience to Him; this is the connection in having a sincere heart to God. The nation of Israel seemed to be more focused on making sure that all the other nations knew that they were not included as God’s people, instead of putting their sincerity and focus on their relationship with God. It’s as if Israel memorized and remembered the “blessings” of Deuteronomy 28:1-14 but disregards the curses of Deuteronomy 28:15-68.
This is an example of losing our focus on God, and of our relationship with Him in obedience to Him.
This is so relevant to our selfish attitudes still today in seeking to show everyone around us of how lacking they are as if it will make us better than them. The truth is that we are all insufficient and lacking righteousness in the eyes of God. We must realize this before we can become obedient to God, because if we never see our need for Him, we will never find a reason to open our hearts to Him in humility and obedience that is required for salvation in Christ Jesus.
God chose the nation of Israel to be an example to the world. He gave them all the instructions to gain righteousness for themselves. But He also allowed them to remain hardened to receiving them in spirit – in their hearts – to show them (and us) of the need for a Savior. He has given us that Savior – Jesus – and it is vital that we open our eyes and hearts to Him that we may be saved from the disobedience of our earthly hearts and given a new heart – in Christ.
Dear LORD,
You have told us through the Prophet Moses in Deuteronomy 29 that the Israelites have seen all that You have done for them – the great trials – the signs – the great wonders. But You did not give them, as the Bible states in Deuteronomy 29:4, “a heart to perceive and eyes to see and ears to hear,” but yet You cared for them – their shoes did not wear out and You kept them clothed so they would know that You are the LORD their God (Deuteronomy 29:5-6). You have given us their life-lessons so that we may know that You are the LORD our God. Please allow our eyes, ears, and hearts to be opened to You and Your great plan of salvation for all who will believe in You and open our hearts to receive You (John 1:12-13). In Jesus name I pray, amen.