Proper 15: Epistle, Romans 11:1-2a, 13-15, 28-32                    

Romans 11:1-2a, 13-15, 28-32

A short while ago we investigated the fact that the apostle Paul really loved his countrymen. In fact, that love took on his personal willingness to die and be damned if that would positively affect what his people did with Jesus of Nazareth.

In Romans 11 the question is raised: ”Has God cast away His people?” (Romans 11:1). Jesus was a Jew. His message was clearly given for the benefit of His own people and He was sent to them first. Not exclusively, but first, nonetheless. Now in the wake of Jesus being crucified at the hands of the Jewish religious elite, as well as the Romans, some of the Jews were wondering if the Jews were now excluded from God’s offer of life.

Paul’s answer is a resounding “no”. But it’s not a no that will take the Jews back to their old covenant, but it is a no that moves them forward into the big picture family of salvation that God has always had in mind. The church doesn’t replace the Old Testament people of God from whom it grew, but rather perpetuates it. And the school of biblical interpretation that continues to see Jew and Gentile as separate in the plan of God misses both God’s point and Paul’s. Paul writes an encouraging truth to his Jewish friends, “... the gifts and calling of God are irrevocable” (11:29). The Jews were called to be the people of God. They still are. But the scope, better, the application of that truth has broadened. Its “opposite” is found in Ephesians 2:14 and following where the explanation of the Gentiles being added is found. But it points to the same truth: one promise, one people of God. And for the Jew the promise of their inclusion goes way back. No worries. The promise is still good. God be praised!