Aug 6, 2023
FISHING FOR FAMILY AND FRIENDS
Gone Fishing Series
Romans 9
In the first eight chapters of the Book of Romans, Paul brings
forth the Gospel of Christ, highlighting its rejection by most
Jews. It may have seemed that Paul had rejected the Jews, his chief
opponents, and put all his efforts into reaching the Gentiles. In
Romans 9, Paul counters the idea of him being anti-Jew, as he
shares how his heart is filled with bitter sorrow and unending
grief for his people, the Jews.
Most of us have family members and friends who have rejected us
because of our faith in Jesus Christ. It may have gotten to the
point where they won't even talk with us or remain in the same
room. It is not that we have rejected them; they have left us. Our
heart is to see our family and friends saved, but If they are
hardened and don't want anything to do with us, all we can do is
pray for them and hope their hearts will change.
God doesn't reject anyone; He desires all to have eternal life; it
is a gift, yet many do not accept it, despite their inner witness.
Israel is God's chosen people through whom He brought salvation,
but just by being born Jewish does not mean one is saved. All
people, Jews, and Gentiles alike, are in the same boat and must
confess Jesus Christ as Lord and Savior for their sins to be
forgiven and made right with God.
The true descendants of Abraham are not Jews but everyone who puts
their faith in the work of Jesus Christ. Abraham offering Issac was
the type and shadow of God offering His only begotten Son. Issac
represents mankind, we deserved death for our sins, but God
provided a scapegoat, Jesus Christ took our place, and now we who
believe are children of Abraham and, therefore, children of
God.
Just because someone is born into a Christian family doesn't make
them a Christian, just like one is not married unless they have a
ceremony; only those who have asked Jesus Christ into their heart
and made Him Lord are saved. We do not choose God; He chooses us;
why does He choose one and not the other? It is not to us to figure
out; it just is the bottom line. We desire all of our family and
friends to be saved, but for most people, that has not yet become a
reality and may never will. We are to everything in God's power to
reach them, but He may tell us it's time to move on; stop casting
your pearls amongst the swine.
Paul gives a question in Romans 9:19 " Why does God blame people
for not responding? Haven't they done what he makes them do?" In
verse 20, he answers, No, don't say that. Who are you, a mere human
being, to argue with God? Should the thing that was created say to
the one who created it, Why have you made me like this?" There are
some things we cannot rationalize; it is beyond our understanding;
all we can do is be grateful that we are saved and hope and believe
that God will save our family and friends.
The Lord promises Paul that there will be a Jewish remnant, but the
majority will stumble over the great rock in their path, Jesus
Christ, and are destined for Hell. Our focus as Christians is to
trust in the Lord, for He promises us in verse 33 that we will
never be disgraced.