All Things Are from Him, through Him and to Him [Romans 11]
30For just as you once were disobedient to God, but now have been shown mercy because of their disobedience, 31so these also now have been disobedient, that because of the mercy shown to you they also may now be shown mercy. 32For God has shut up all in disobedience so that He may show mercy to all.
33Oh, the depth of the riches both of the wisdom and knowledge of God! How unsearchable are His judgments and unfathomable His ways! 34For WHO HAS KNOWN THE MIND OF THE LORD, OR WHO BECAME HIS COUNSELOR? 35Or WHO HAS FIRST GIVEN TO HIM THAT IT MIGHT BE PAID BACK TO HIM AGAIN? 36For from Him and through Him and to Him are all things. To Him be the glory forever. Amen.
As you read all of chapter 11 of Romans it is important to keep the context in mind. Starting in chapter 9 the discussion has been about Israel and where they are as a nation with the gospel message. He answers the question, "God has not rejected His people, has He?" with a resounding, "May it never be!" (v. 1) Just as He saved 7,000 men for Himself in Elijah's time, "In the same way then, there has also come to be at the present time a remnant according to God's gracious choice. But if it is by grace, it is no longer on the basis of works, otherwise grace is no longer grace." (vs.5-6)
He closes out this discussion by putting it all in perspective. Both the Jews and the Gentiles have once disobeyed God and have received mercy through that disobedience. And then the resounding truth - "Oh, the depth of the riches both of the wisdom and knowledge of God! How unsearchable are His judgments and unfathomable His ways!"
I needed to remember today about God's riches. As I am planning my youngest daughter's wedding I have found myself very concerned about riches, wondering how we would pay for it. And then I see that the important riches, the deep riches are in His wisdom and in knowing God. How He knew I needed to be reminded that "from Him and through Him and to Him are all things. To Him be the glory forever. Amen."
Verna McCrillis, 7/23/2009