One of Paul’s main sources of grief was the fact that his own people, the Jews, had rejected their messiah. When he writes to the Roman church, Paul imagines what the minority of Jewish believers in the congregation are thinking as they sit amongst the majority of gentile believers. This looks like God’s plan has failed. Throughout the Old Testament God promised that he would come to Israel in the Messiah, that this Messiah would usher in the new age in which God would establish his kingdom on earth through Israel. But, when Jesus came, most of the Jews rejected him. It looks as though the plan had failed because the people on whom God’s purpose was focussed had rejected that very purpose. Paul points out, however, that not all Israel have rejected God’s purpose. God has chosen a remnant out of Israel to carry forth his purpose and Paul himself is included in this. Paul’s argument in 9:6ff is complex but, basically, he is showing that this is entirely consistent with how God has always worked. Throughout the history of Israel there is this pattern of God constantly refining who are his people and who are not. In each stage there remains a faithful remnant. God doesn’t need a majority. He just needs a faithful few. Don’t be discouraged if you feel part of a minority group. This doesn’t mean God’s plan is failing. God’s plan is on track. It always is. In fact, Paul is also going to point out that God’s plan is not ultimately dependent on the irrational decisions of people. God’s plan cannot be thwarted.
Pray into an area where you would like to see God’s purpose realised.
Read Romans 9:1-9
