Everyone is Cut Off

Scripture: For as you were once disobedient to God, yet have now obtained mercy through their disobedience, even so these also have now been disobedient, that through the mercy shown you they also may obtain mercy. For God has committed them all to disobedience, that He might have mercy on all. Romans 11:30-32

Observation: Paul is discussing at some length the fate of the Jews who have rejected the gospel of the Messiah, as both encouragement and warning for the Roman gentiles. He has discussed how the non-believing Jews have been cut off from the root of the tree, and gentiles grafted into that life. However, the gentiles could still be cut off due to lack of faith, and Jews grafted in by faith, so continue in firm belief.

One curious line is Paul stating that God has "committed" the Jews "to disobedience" so that he may have mercy on them. The word "committed" here is not like dedication, but rather like imprisonment. Paul is, I believe, discussing free will. While there may yet be debate about what it truly means for the Jews to be a "chosen" people, Paul is indicating a significant point ... that salvation by faith in Jesus Christ is a free-will choice and not a birthright.

Everyone, even the Jews, are ensnared by sin and temptation and a will that rejects the law, and therefore is cut off from God and his promise of eternal life in him ... unless they declare faith in Jesus so that the Lord may have mercy on them.

Application: In my life, I would consider this as the difference between churched and unchurched children. Those who do not learn of Jesus, but who come to Jesus as adults, know that they needed to make a decision about faith, and they chose belief. However, like myself, kids raised in the church often think they believe simply because they know bible stories and how to pray and how to do sacraments, but the truth is ... they are actually committed to disobedience, and still must make a personal decision about Jesus to receive God's mercies and salvation.

I discovered this only when I realized how imprisoned by disobedience I truly was ... how pursuit of earthly things was all my life was about, and my life wasn't good.

I was born and grew as a branch of the tree, but I was cut off. I was grafted back on at age 27. I am glad Paul spoke the truth to Jews and gentiles alike, so all my learn the truth about declaring faith in Jesus.

Prayer: Lord, Abba, my father, my salvation, and my true vine and tree of life, I thank you for your mercy and love, manifest by giving Jesus up to death as the sacrifice for my sins. I believe in his resurrection and in your salvation, and I declare that of my own will at all times. You have chosen to love me enough to show this to me, and to allow me to make my decision about it. You are so great, so wonderful, so wise, so powerful, so tender, so loving, so just. May I dwell in your kingdom forever and ever. Amen.