God has not rejected His people. Paul is an Israelite – descendant of Abraham, of the tribe of Benjamin. God has not rejected His people whom He foreknew. Elijah appealed to God against Israel, but God’s reply was, “I have kept for myself 7,000 men who have not bowed the knee to Baal.” At the present time there was a remnant, chosen by grace. If by grace it’s no longer on the basis of works; otherwise grace would no longer be grace. Israel failed to obtain what it was seeking. The elect obtained it, but the rest were hardened by God (as he quotes from the Bible). They didn’t stumble that they might fall. Through their sin salvation has come to the Gentles to make Israel jealous. If their fall means riches for the world, particularly to the Gentiles, how much more will their full inclusion mean! Paul begins speaking to the Gentiles. He is laboring to magnify his ministry in order somehow to make his fellow Jews jealous, and thus save some of them. Their rejection means the reconciliation of the world, then their acceptance means life from the dead. If some branches were broken off, and the Gentles were grafted in, they now share in the nourishing root of the olive tree. Don’t be arrogant toward the branches. Remember it’s the root that supports you. It’s true that branches were broken off that Gentiles would be grafted in. They were broken off because of unbelief, but we stand fast through faith. Don’t be proud, but fear. If God didn’t spare the natural branches, neither will he spare you. God is sever toward those who have fallen, but kind to you if you continue in his kindness – otherwise you too will be cut off. God has the power to graft them in again. These natural branches will be grafted back in again. A partial hardening has come on Israel until the fullness of the Gentiles has come in. In this way all Israel will be saved – in fulfillment of the Bible. Regarding the gospel they are enemies of it for the Gentiles sake (so that Gentiles would be grafted in). Regarding election they are beloved for the sake of their forefathers. The gifts and calling of God are irrevocable. Gentiles were once disobedient to God, but now received mercy because of Israel’s disobedience, so now they too have been disobedient in order that by mercy shown to the Gentiles they also may now receive mercy. God has consigned all to disobedience, that he may have mercy on all. Oh, the depth of the riches and wisdom and knowledge of God! How unsearchable are his judgments and how inscrutable his ways! Who has known the mind of the Lord, or who has been his counselor? Who has given a gift to him that he might be repaid? From him and through him and to him are all things. To him be glory forever. Amen.
God’s thoughts are above our thoughts and ways are above our ways. He is working so save His people – Jews and Gentiles. And He’s using His power to save to spring up faith and repentance from others. He is saving His people for their good and His glory, but He’s also saving to provoke jealousy in others for salvation. Also, God is not done with His relationship to ethnic Israel. He has plans to save yet more Jews before the final judgment. Praise God that He is always focused in on saving His people. Have you ever stepped back and just worshiped God in awe and wonder of His choice of your through Christ? Praise God for salvation through Christ, for His foreknowledge and choice of His people.