Romans Chapter 11: Verses 11-12 (NIV)
Again I ask: Did they stumble so as to fall beyond recovery? Not at all! Rather, because of their transgression, salvation has come to the Gentiles to make Israel envious.But if their transgression means riches for the world, and their loss means riches for the Gentiles, how much greater riches will their full inclusion bring!
Paul tells the roman church that Israel hasn’t fallen so far from God that redemption isn’t possible. In fact, he explains that God used Israel’s disobedience, and the consequences of it, to draw the Gentiles (everyone else who would accept Him) into the fold. And in return as the Holy Spirit moves through the wider church, He will draw back any of the people of the Covenant who wish to come.
That gives us all hope that none of us have gone beyond the reach of God when we have made a mess of things, and sinned against God’s law, because when we do, God can use those circumstances, and even at times even their consequences to draw us back to Himself.
That’s why I love the story of the woman caught in adultery. (John Chapter 8: Verses 1-11) Jesus was the only one who could have carried out the required under the law, yet He told the woman, “Neither do I condemn you. Go and sin no more.”
And when we accept God’s grace, turn ourselves around and start again, our story can make an impact on others, giving them the same hope of God’s grace and mercy.
Dear Lord,
Thank You for the hope and mercy that is open to all if we will accept it. Help me never to squander it, or take it for granted, because Jesus paid a high price so that I could have it. May I be a good ambassador of Your grace and mercy. I ask in Jesus’ Name. Amen.