Romans 11
Sometimes passages within a chapter grab
a reader’s attention in new ways. This is especially the case with reading the
Bible because as the Holy Spirit works through God’s Word to shape and form us
as His people He brings things to our attention to strengthen our faith, help
us grow, comfort us, or help us reflect Jesus more clearly in our living.
The passage in Romans 11 that made me
pause to think was verse 22: Note then
the kindness and the severity of God: severity toward those who have fallen,
but God’s kindness to you, provided you continue in His kindness. God reveals
that He is both kind and severe.
I’m not used to thinking of God as
severe. I don’t really like that part of His who He is. (Which is probably means
I need to understand this better in my faith walk.) I prefer to dwell on God’s
kindness.
Why would it be important to note God’s
severity? It helps us understand why Israel was cut off from God’s salvation.
They took His mercy for granted and lived on the basis of their works, thereby nullifying
God’s grace. God’s severity also confronts us in our sin so that we don’t take
His kindness for granted and lose our own salvation. God is not a pushover that
we should go about sinning and doing whatever we want and expecting that God
must forgive us. Knowing the severity of God, as one who has also experienced
His kindness, also increases our awe of Him. This is part of what Martin Luther
was pointing to when he explained each of the Commandments beginning with the
words, “We should fear and love God so that ….” It is right to fear God’s
wrath! Take note of it!
Yet, even as we take note of God’s wrath
at sin, look at how He has dealt with that severity. He poured it out on Jesus
on the cross. This is the kindness of God! He willingly received His own wrath
and paid the price that reconciled us to Himself in His kindness. That kindness
is underserved – and is therefore all the more amazing!
Note the severity and the kindness and
praise God that we have seen both, but live in the kindness for Jesus’ sake.
Lord, help me remember Your severity and
kindness that I may help others who experience Your severity to receive Your
kindness through faith in Jesus. Amen.
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