As we enter Romans 12 and venture forth, we see how all the rich theology of the previous eleven chapters becomes lived theology, how the truth about the death and resurrection of Jesus takes root in us and creates actual patterns of living. First of all, these patterns of living are not superficial attachments like ornaments on a Christmas tree. No, a much deeper change has occurred. “By God’s mercy, present your bodies as a living sacrifice; this is your…

A mystery! Not like a murder mystery, where a detective can find just enough evidence to answer all our questions. No, what Paul means by mystery here in Romans 9-11 is a kind of thing that we will not grasp even once we have found answers. It envelopes us and draws us into the unsearchable depths of God. We do not approach with tools or equations, but with wonder and adoration. The heart of Israel has been hardened (11:25). This…

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…