December 2, 2011 (Romans 9-12)
From the Life Journal of Adam Proux:
Scripture: “For if God did not spare the natural branches, He will not spare you either.” Romans 11:21 NASB
Observation: Paul gives solid advice to the Gentiles. He plainly teaches them that they must believe within their heart and confess with their mouth. Here, he gives a stern warning about commitment. If God didn’t spare His chosen people, Israel, when they refused to believe, how could He ignore the unbelief of Gentiles that professed with their mouths but failed to believe with their heart? Take a look at the kindness and severity of God. To those who fell in unbelief came severity, but to those who believed within their heart came God’s kindness. Paul warned those that receive God’s kindness should continue in His kindness, else they will also be cut off. (Romans 11:22)
Application: We must be careful to boast in Christ Jesus and His sacrifice only. We endanger ourselves when our pride begins to swell and make us arrogant. God is a god of justice and mercy. He gives mercy to whom He chooses, and His wrath is poured out to whom He wills as well. We do ourselves well, to seek God’s mercy daily. We should be careful to sow seeds of mercy in regards to others, so that when harvest time comes we have an abundance of mercy to reap for ourselves. For if God did not spare His chosen people because of their lack in belief, how can we be so arrogant as to think He will spare us in ours?
Prayer: Dear Lord, I seek Your mercy today. Help me sow seeds of mercy into the field You’ve called me to labor in. Father cause those seeds to produce a harvest of mercy for my soul in the appointed time. Thank You for Your grace and forgiveness. Praise and honor to Your wonderful name! For You are the God of justice and mercy and Your kindness is realized throughout all creation. Blessed be Your name forever and ever, in Jesus name, Amen!