I magnify my ministry to the gentiles, in order to make my own people jealous, and thus save some of them. – Romans 11:13-14 So, it is in fact Paul’s great love for his own people Israel that possesses him to betray them. This is the faithful betrayal. The only way Paul can honor his beloved kindred is to turn on them, to champion the gospel that bypasses Israel and reaches the whole world. For Paul to proclaim the gospel…

If God’s love and promises are in fact so unswerving, then why does it appear that Israel, the longtime recipient of God’s promises, is on the outside looking in? This is the question Paul bitterly wrestles with in Romans 9-11. As the verses go by, the layers of his answer slowly fold back. First, God’s unpredictable mercy has a way bringing new people to the table, while those who assumed their automatic place at the table may not have a…

Allow me to state the obvious (but not as obvious as it seems): the Gospel of John is a story about Jesus. Why is that something that needs clear stating? Because sometimes we need reminding that Jesus is not just a teacher with some good ideas and advice. Jesus is not an instrument by which we achieve happiness and success (which would reduce him to a pawn in our narrative and needs). He is nothing less than the focal point…

Zeal. Knowledge-less zeal. That is, unfortunately, the defining trait of the longtime people of God (Romans 10:1-2). That’s what religion so often makes out of us. A lot of zeal. A lot of passion and energy. But not nearly enough of simply knowing the presence of God. Not enough of being confronted by God. Not enough loving God for God’s own sake. This problem keeps popping up throughout Romans – religion creates as many problems as it solves. In Paul’s…