Woman hiking on a mountain trail with anatomical heart graphic on her jacket
Bible, Hard, Heart, Israel, Jesus, Refusal, Romans, Scripture

HARDENED BY REFUSAL

ROMANS 11:7

“What then? What Israel is seeking, it has not obtained, but those who were chosen obtained it, and the rest were hardened;”

Have you ever known a hard person? You know, someone who is colder than ice. They refuse any emotional connections. They see themselves above others. I could go on, but you get the drift. I often wonder what caused them to be that way. Was it their childhood? Was it a traumatic event in their past? For whatever reason, they have hardened their heart to others, even the love of God.

Paul says in today’s verse that some of the Jews had become hardened. The Greek word translated as “hardened” is pōróō. HELPS Word-studies says this about that word, “(from pōros, a kind of marble) – properly, made of stone; (figuratively) insensible; dull, unperceptive as a rock; calloused (hardened); i.e. unresponsive (dense), completely lacking sensitivity or spiritual perception. pōróō (from pōros, a kind of marble) – properly, made of stone; (figuratively) insensible; dull, unperceptive as a rock; calloused (hardened); i.e. unresponsive (dense), completely lacking sensitivity or spiritual perception.” I wanted to include that whole definition so you could get the full picture.

APPLICATION

I was amazed to see this word used to describe the disciples when they saw Jesus walk on the water. In Mark 6:51-52 it says, “51 Then He got into the boat with them, and the wind stopped; and they were utterly astonished, 52 for they had not gained any insight from the incident of the loaves, but their hearts were hardened.” Wow! Wasn’t aware of that, were you? I guess I just missed that before. Even the disciples were hardened in their hearts at this point.

Two chapters later in Mark 8:17, we see Jesus call them hardened again. “And Jesus, aware of this, *said to them, ‘Why are you discussing the fact that you have no bread? Do you not yet comprehend or understand? Do you still have your heart hardened?’” Ouch, double ouch! If the disciples who walked with Jesus were hardened in their hearts, aren’t we just as susceptible?

In 2 Corinthians 3:14 pōróō is used to describe those who have refused to respond to Jesus. “But their minds were hardened; for until this very day at the reading of the old covenant the same veil remains unlifted, because it is removed in Christ.” Do you see it now? But praise be to God Who has lifted the veil from over our eyes when we give our heart and soul to Jesus. He softens that old hard heart. Even the hard hearted person can have theirs softened if they will only yield to the Master.

Thank You, Father, for taking my old hard heart and making it pliable and moldable in Your hands.

If the Lord should lead you to support our ministry, check out our ministry page at Trans World Radio (www.twr.org/carl-willis). 

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Antique balance scale with heavy stones on one side and glowing feathers on the other, beside a decorative box labeled Grace
Bible, Grace, Jesus, Romans, Salvation, Scripture, Works

ONLY GRACE

ROMANS 11:6

“But if it is by grace, it is no longer on the basis of works, since otherwise grace is no longer grace.”

Let me remind you what grace is. Grace is getting something you don’t deserve. So, anytime someone gives you something you don’t deserve, you are receiving grace. That’s different than mercy. Mercy is not getting what you do deserve – like hell. God’s mercy is extended to me because of His grace towards me through His Son, Jesus Christ. You really need to know the difference in those two. Aren’t you glad you have His grace and His mercy?

Paul is continuing his teaching on the importance of justification by grace and grace alone. The Jews were adamant that only through their obedience to the law could they be justified. Paul knew all too well the futility of that thinking. Remember, Paul was Jewish and had been a Pharisee. He knew the difference in grace and works firsthand. That is why he spent so much time on this topic in his letters. He wants everyone to understand the free grace that is offered to anyone who turns to Jesus.

APPLICATION

Albert Barnes says this about today’s verse. “And from this it follows that salvation cannot be partly by grace and partly by works. It is not because people can advance any claims to the favor of God; but from his mere unmerited grace. He that is not willing to obtain eternal life in that way, cannot obtain it at all.” I am reminded of Galatians 2:21. “I do not nullify the grace of God, for if righteousness comes through the Law, then Christ died needlessly.”

Paul writes a similar statement in Ephesians 2:8-9. “8 For by grace you have been saved through faith; and this is not of yourselves, it is the gift of God; 9 not a result of works, so that no one may boast.” Only God’s grace is sufficient to pay the price for our sins. That grace was made manifest in His Son, Jesus Christ. What else do you need? Nothing! Nothing else can help you. No one can pay the price for your sins, except Jesus. There’s nothing you can do, no matter how holy you try to live, to earn that grace. It’s a free gift from God based on your decision to follow His Son.

I have six grandchildren which I would give my life for if asked. If there was something I could do to earn them their salvation, I would do it. But there’s nothing I can do. They each have to make that personal decision to follow Jesus or not. And based on that decision they will or will not be with me and their Mimi/Nana in heaven. I pray every day for them to know Christ personally and follow Him. I know God desires to see them come to Him. I pray they are listening. Are you?

Lord, thank You for the gift of grace that requires nothing from me except believing in and following Your Son.

If the Lord should lead you to support our ministry, check out our ministry page at Trans World Radio (www.twr.org/carl-willis). 

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Bible, Choice, Election, Remnant, Romans, Salvation, Scripture

GOD’S CHOICE

ROMANS 11:5

“In the same way then, there has also come to be at the present time a remnant according to God’s gracious choice.”

I love when I see a steak that has been labeled “choice prime.” I know that is going to be a good cut of meat and will, if prepared well, taste great. Now, that piece of meat didn’t label itself “choice prime.” That was done by a person who knows meat and cuts of meat. That person has the experience and knowledge to make that “choice.”

That’s probably a very poor analogy to what Paul is saying in today’s verse about God’s choice of His remnant (all analogies fall short at some point). Paul is still reflecting on his story about Elijah in the previous two verses. Just as God told Elijah that he was not alone in serving Him, there were seven thousand others whom He had preserved (a remnant) that had not turned to Baal. “As in Elijah’s time the apostasy of Israel was not so universal as it seemed to be, and as he in his despondency concluded it to be, so now, the rejection of Christ by Israel is not so appalling in extent as one would be apt to think:” (Jamieson-Fausset-Brown Bible Commentary) 

APPLICATION

The Greek word translated “choice” is eklogé. It’s used seven times in the New Testament, four of those times in Romans (9:11; 11:5, 7, 28). It’s interesting that this same word is used in Acts 9:15 in God’s conversation with Ananias about Paul. God says to Ananias after Ananias had expressed concerns about going to Saul (later to be called Paul), “‘Go, for he is a chosen instrument of Mine, to bear My name before the Gentiles and kings and the sons of Israel;’” Saul (Paul) was God’s choice then and was still His choice when Paul was writing this letter to the Romans. 

Paul uses eklogé again in 1 Thessalonians 1:4, “knowing, brothers and sisters, beloved by God, His choice of you;” We see the word used again by Peter in 2 Peter 1:10. “Therefore, brothers and sisters, be all the more diligent to make certain about His calling and choice of you; for as long as you practice these things, you will never stumble;”

The Topical Lexicon says that eklogé “is rooted in God’s grace, advances His redemptive purpose for both Israel and the nations, and summons believers to holiness, assurance, and mission.” As a follower of Christ, you are God’s “choice prime.” He has deemed you worthy of His stamp of approval, not because of anything you have done, but because of what His Son did on your behalf. Praise Him for all He has done!

O Lord, words could never express my gratitude for Your stamp of “choice” on me.

If the Lord should lead you to support our ministry, check out our ministry page at Trans World Radio (www.twr.org/carl-willis). 

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Ancient man in robes sitting in a cave listening to glowing magical waves
1 Kings, Bible, God's Will, Purpose, Romans, Scripture, Voice, Willingness

GETTING SET STRAIGHT

ROMANS 11:4

“But what is the divine response to him? ‘I HAVE KEPT for Myself SEVEN THOUSAND MEN WHO HAVE NOT BOWED THE KNEE TO BAAL.’”

There is nothing quite as humbling than to be set straight by someone for something you have done or said in error. I can’t say that has ever happened to me (lol), but it could. Seriously, I have had that humbling experience before. I did not enjoy it while it was happening, but afterwards I learned to appreciate it. I have erroneously judged someone in the past, only to learn that I was wrong. I have shared something that I later found out was false information. Humility is good for us from time to time. I am definitely a better person because of those experiences.

Elijah got taken to the woodshed, or so it seems. In yesterday’s verse we saw where he was bemoaning the fact that he was all alone as a servant to God. He’s hiding in that cave, and God comes looking for him. Of course, God knew where he was the whole time, didn’t he? He could have stopped him, but He let him stew for a bit. He even listened to Elijah’s bellyaching. Then God speaks.

APPLICATION

Paul continues the story from 1 Kings 19. He doesn’t tell the whole story of God speaking through the “gentle blowing.” Let’s just say when Elijah heard that, he knew it was the Lord speaking. Let’s give Elijah credit. When God confronted him and pointed out his wrongful thinking, he responded to God’s direction and did what the Lord said. He immediately found Elisha as God said he would. God put someone is his life to mentor and prepare to succeed him. What a renewed purpose!

The Greek word used by Paul which is translated “divine response” is chrématismos. It is only used here in the New Testament. The Topical Lexicon says chrématismos “designates a decisive utterance from God—a communicated response that settles a question, corrects misperception, or charts a course for His people. It is not ordinary counsel but a word issued with divine authority that obligates the hearer to trust and obey.”

Have you received one of those? I have. I know God led me to the ministry I am now a part of, Every Man A Warrior. He has given me a desire to disciple men and lead them to become disciple makers for their families, their churches and their communities. Nothing gives me as much joy as seeing a man “get it.” I wonder how Elijah felt after his “divine response” from God. Being a prophet of the Lord, I am sure he felt a resurgence in his spirit. Don’t you want that same kind of resurgence in your spirit? Listen closely. He’s speaking! Don’t look for the great wind or earthquake or fire. Listen for the small gentle wind of God speaking truth to you.

I am listening, O Lord. Speak!

If the Lord should lead you to support our ministry, check out our ministry page at Trans World Radio (www.twr.org/carl-willis). 

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1 Kings, Alone, Bible, Faithfulness, Fear, Promises, Romans, Scripture, Victory

WOE IS ME!

ROMANS 11:3

“Lord, ‘THEY HAVE KILLED YOUR PROPHETS, THEY HAVE TORN DOWN YOUR ALTARS, AND I ALONE AM LEFT, AND THEY ARE SEEKING MY LIFE.’”

Have you ever felt that it was you against the world? Maybe you have had a run of bad luck, or a friend has turned against you. It is so easy to start a pity party. The problem with those parties is that you are usually the only one that shows up. We all know who wants to keep us feeling that way, don’t we? The devil may not be able to rob you of your salvation, but he is happy just taking you out of the fight. Don’t let that happen.

Paul recounts the story of Elijah in today’s verse. Do you remember the context of this story? Go back and read 1 Kings 18. Elijah had just had a tremendous victory over the prophets of Baal. He should have been on cloud nine, but instead, he flees from Jezebel who sought his life. He complains to God that only he was left alone to serve him. Boy, was he mistaken! We’ll see God’s answer to him in tomorrow’s verse. But let this verse sink in today. Are you feeling like Elijah, all alone and vulnerable?

APPLICATION

The passage Paul quotes is taken from 1 Kings 19:10. Let’s back up to verse 9 to get the full picture. “9 Then he came there to a cave and spent the night there; and behold, the word of the LORD came to him, and He said to him, ‘What are you doing here, Elijah?’ 10 And he said, ‘I have been very zealous for the LORD, the God of armies; for the sons of Israel have abandoned Your covenant, torn down Your altars, and killed Your prophets with the sword. And I alone am left; and they have sought to take my life.’” Man, Elijah was in a bad way. He was hiding in a cave from Jezebel right after God had given him a tremendous demonstration of His power and might over the false god Baal.

You may not be hiding in a cave, but you may be hiding in your bedroom. You may be in a pit of depression. Is that where the Lord wants you? Of course not! To use Paul’s expression which we saw earlier, “May it never be!” Don’t allow Satan to rob you of your joy. Don’t let him pull you down. As followers of Christ, we walk in victory. Jesus defeated death and the grave and has given us authority over the devil. Claim that and walk in it.

I have had my own moments of doubt when I went through a dark time. People abandoned me. People betrayed me. Others may not have sought my life, but they sure wanted to tear me down. Some even spoke lies against me. But God was and still is faithful. We will see tomorrow how God woke Elijah up and gave him a renewed purpose. Let Him do the same for you. Stand up, shake it off and reclaim your victorious walk with Him. You are not alone!

Thank You, Father, for never abandoning me. You are always right there.

If the Lord should lead you to support our ministry, check out our ministry page at Trans World Radio (www.twr.org/carl-willis). 

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Acceptance, Bible, Elijah, Israel, Rejection, Restoration, Romans, Scripture

STILL HIS

ROMANS 11:2

“God has not rejected His people whom He foreknew. Or do you not know what the Scripture says in the passage about Elijah, how he pleads with God against Israel?”

In our American society today, there is an epidemic of estrangement among family members. In particular, adult children have estranged themselves from their parents causing deep hurts and pains. But I would dare to guess that if any of those adult children came back to their parents for reconciliation, they would be welcomed with open arms. Because no matter the amount of pain that was there during the estrangement, that parent’s love for their children never wavered.

Israel had rebelled time and time and time again against the Lord. They had sought other gods, resulting in judgment and exile. However, God never stopped loving His children. Paul will use an example from the life of Elijah in the next few verses to illustrate that point. He says, “God has not rejected His people whom He foreknew.” God had a plan and purpose for the nation of Israel. Therefore, He will not break that covenant He has made with them.

APPLICATION

The Greek word used here for “rejected” paints a great picture. It’s apótheó “from apo and the middle voice of otheo or otho (to shove); to push off, figuratively, to reject — cast away, put away (from), thrust away (from).” (Strong’s Exhaustive Concordance). Have you ever shoved someone away who tried to come back in your life? I have to admit that I have done that. Why? Fear of being hurt again, a lack of trust in the relationship. But God does not do that, does He?

I love the use of apótheó here. In Romans 10:21 we saw God with His arms outstretched towards Israel. It’s real hard to shove someone away if your arms are outstretched to receive them. Outstretched arms show a desire to bring them in close. I saw a reel recently on Instagram that showed wives welcoming their husbands home with outstretched arms. The moment they came in the door, that’s what the husbands saw. And what did they do? They all went straight to their wives and embraced them.

That’s what God does to us. He stretches out His arms to embrace us, not shove us away. He stands ready to bring us in close. But for that to happen we have to lean in and not pull away. We’ll see the exchange between Elijah and God that Paul referenced in today’s verse in the next verses. Hang on. This gets good.

Oh Lord, I am so thankful that You are always ready to embrace me and not shove me away.

If the Lord should lead you to support our ministry, check out our ministry page at Trans World Radio (www.twr.org/carl-willis). 

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Red and white road sign altered to read 'NO WAY' next to curved forest road
Acceptance, Bible, Israel, Rejection, Romans, Salvation, Scripture

MAY IT NEVER BE!

ROMANS 11:1

“I say then, God has not rejected His people, has He? Far from it! For I too am an Israelite, a descendant of Abraham, of the tribe of Benjamin.”

Some things in life are just absolutes. For instance, I will NEVER eat brussel sprouts again, lol. I will NEVER cheer for the Florida Gators! I will NEVER stop loving Jesus. I could say with Paul, “May it never be!” Paul loves to use this expression. Just look at similar words in these passages in Romans: Romans 3:4, 6, 31; 6:2, 15; 7:7, 13. I may start saying that more when I know something is totally against the truth of God’s word. May it never be!

In chapter 11 Paul picks up where he left off in chapter 10 and further discusses the fate of the Jewish nation. The entirety of chapter 11 is dedicated to showing that although the Jewish nation as a whole had rejected Jesus, there were some who had believed (himself included). Therefore, God was not done with them yet. He would restore the remnant. We’ll spend the next month or so looking at this discussion in depth. Hang on!

APPLICATION

The Cambridge Bible for Schools and Colleges says this about Paul’s words in chapter 11 of Romans. “…he turns to state the happier side; and this in two main aspects. First, he reiterates the truth of the Divine Election, but now in its positive aspect—the existence always of a believing Israel within the unbelieving mass. Secondly, he predicts a time when even in the mass Israel should turn to the true Messiah, be restored to the Church, and become thus an influence of vast good for the world.” God is not done with Israel yet. Paul tells us to not believe that lie. God still has a plan of redemption for His chosen people.

God’s promises are always true, right? Look at Psalm 94:14. “For the LORD will not abandon His people, nor will He abandon His inheritance.” How about Deuteronomy 31:6? “‘Be strong and courageous; do not be afraid or terrified of them, for it is the LORD your God who goes with you; He will never leave you nor forsake you.’” 

Those promises hold true for us, as well. One of my favorites is Isaiah 41:10. “Do not fear, for I am with you; do not be afraid, for I am your God. I will strengthen you; I will surely help you; I will uphold you with My righteous right hand.” And the final words of our Lord in Matthew 28:20 tell us, “‘…and surely I am with your always, even to the end of the age.’” Hallelujah, what a Savior! Will He leave us or abandon us? May it never be!

Thank You, Father, that Your promises to Israel and to us are true and undeniable.

If the Lord should lead you to support our ministry, check out our ministry page at Trans World Radio (www.twr.org/carl-willis). 

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Multiple raised hands of different skin tones reaching up towards a colorful sunset sky
Bible, Gospel, Hand, Isaiah, Jesus, Romans, Salvation, Scripture

OUTSTRETCHED HANDS

ROMANS 10:21

“But as for Israel, He says, ‘I HAVE SPREAD OUT MY HANDS ALL DAY LONG TO A DISOBEDIENT AND OBSTINATE PEOPLE.’”

We come to the end of chapter 10 of Romans with today’s verse. Once again, Paul turns to Isaiah 65, this time from verse 2 which says, “‘I have spread out My hands all day long to a rebellious people, who walk in the way which is not good, following their own thoughts,’” But let me encourage you to take a minute and go to Isaiah 65 and read verses 1-7 to get the full picture of what the Lord is saying.

But look closely at what the Lord spoke to Isaiah about the Jewish nation. Even though they were disobedient and obstinate, He still says, “I have spread out My hands all day long.” God still was entreating them to return to Him. He loved His chosen people. He still wants to see them redeemed. Paul is telling us in today’s verse that this is still true in his day. God sent His Son to His children first, who spurned and rejected Him. Still, He desires to see them saved.

APPLICATION

Barnes sums up the past several verses with these observations:

  • The pagan world is in danger without the gospel.
  • The provisions of the gospel are ample for them.
  • The command of Jesus Christ remains still the same, to preach the gospel to every creature.
  • If the gospel is to be preached everywhere, people must be sent forth into the vast field.
  • The church should be training young men for the ministry.
  • God will withdraw His favors from those nations that are disobedient and rebellious.

What are we to do with this? We must be about our Father’s business of reaching the lost for Christ. There’s not a moment to spare. His return is imminent. It could happen today. And there are billions who will face the fiery flames of hell if they do not bow the knee to Jesus.

The image of outstretched hands is one we can see clearly in the cross. Jesus stretched out His hands and died for us. He allowed His hands to be pierced with the nails of the cross on our behalf. And when we turn to Him, those drops of blood cover us. We must share that with others as often as we can. Stretch out your hands today and share the good news of God’s redemption plan for the world.

Father, I praise You for giving Your Own Son Who stretched out His hands for me.

If the Lord should lead you to support our ministry, check out our ministry page at Trans World Radio (www.twr.org/carl-willis). 

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Full moon surrounded by stars and wispy clouds at night
Bible, Finding, Isaiah, Revealed, Romans, Scripture, Seeking

CLEARLY REVEALED

ROMANS 10:20

“And Isaiah is very bold and says, ‘I WAS FOUND BY THOSE WHO DID NOT SEEK ME, I REVEALED MYSELF TO THOSE WHO DID NOT ASK FOR ME.’”

Some things are just easy to see. The love of a young couple who are enamored with each other. The beauty of a sunrise on a clear morning. The moon when it is at its fullest. These things are so clear. Anyone with any ability to see can view these. Some people think God is out of sight and unreachable. But Paul tells us something very different in today’s verse.

He goes back to the prophet Isaiah again and quotes from Isaiah 65:1-2. “‘I permitted Myself to be sought by those who did not ask for Me; I permitted Myself to be found by those who did not seek Me. I said, “Here am I, here am I,” to a nation which did not call on My name.’” Why do you think Paul has gone repeatedly to the Old Testament in chapter ten? He quotes from at least nine different passages in this chapter. Paul wanted the Jews to see that God has been giving the message of salvation for centuries and has opened it up to those outside the Jewish nation. This is why the Jews hated him so much.

APPLICATION

Paul says that Isaiah is “very bold.” That meant he had the guts to say what the Jews did not want to hear. Sometimes the truth hurts, doesn’t it? Paul was not trying to hurt anyone, but he was adamant about telling them the truth from God’s Word. In a way, Paul was showing the same daring that Isaiah showed in his day. Paul loved his countrymen and wanted them to come to Christ.

Paul uses the passage in Isaiah to show that the Gentiles were able to find God even when they were not looking. I am reminded of Matthew 7:7-8 where the same word for “find” is used. “7 ‘Ask, and it will be given to you; seek, and you will find; knock, and it will be opened to you. 8 For everyone who asks receives, and the one who seeks finds, and to the one who knocks it will be opened.’”

Our job as followers of Christ is to help everyone we can to find Jesus and experience His saving grace. Some people just take a gentle nudge. Others may take more effort. But the end result should be the same – helping them find salvation. God still wants to reveal Himself to everyone. I’ve said it before – God is not playing hide and seek. He is in plain sight. We just have to point people in the right direction. Will you join me in pointing?

O Lord, thank You for revealing Yourself so clearly to all who want to know You.

If the Lord should lead you to support our ministry, check out our ministry page at Trans World Radio (www.twr.org/carl-willis). 

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Bible, Deuteronomy, Gospel, Romans, Salvation, Scripture

THEY WERE TOLD

ROMANS 10:19

“But I say, surely Israel did not know, did they? First Moses says, ‘I WILL MAKE YOU JEALOUS WITH THOSE WHO ARE NOT A NATION, WITH A FOOLISH NATION I WILL ANGER YOU.’”

Isn’t it frustrating when you have to repeat yourself? Telling the same thing over and over gets tiring. When your children were little, you found yourself, I am sure, repeating things to them. But you kept telling them with the hopes that they would eventually get it. And for the most part they did, didn’t they? Repetition is necessary at times.

Paul quotes from Deuteronomy 32:21 which says, “‘They have made Me jealous with what is not God; They have provoked Me to anger with their idols. So I will make them jealous with those who are not a people; I will provoke them to anger with a foolish nation,’” God warned the Jewish nation hundreds of years ago through Moses that He would use the Gentiles to show them His salvation is for everyone. Wow! That had plenty of warning, but they never seemed to get it.

APPLICATION

I don’t normally use a long quote from a commentator, but Matthew Henry has some great words of wisdom on this passage and the ones that follow that bear repeating. Read it more than once. “Did not the Jews know that the Gentiles were to be called in? They might have known it from Moses and Isaiah. Isaiah speaks plainly of the grace and favour of God, as going before in the receiving of the Gentiles. Was not this our own case? Did not God begin in love, and make himself known to us when we did not ask after him? The patience of God towards provoking sinners is wonderful. The time of God’s patience is called a day, light as day, and fit for work and business; but limited as a day, and there is a night at the end of it. God’s patience makes man’s disobedience worse, and renders that the more sinful. We may wonder at the mercy of God, that his goodness is not overcome by man’s badness; we may wonder at the wickedness of man, that his badness is not overcome by God’s goodness. And it is a matter of joy to think that God has sent the message of grace to so many millions, by the wide spread of his gospel.”

I love how he applies this to Gentiles as well as the Jews. We all have been told the story in one way or another. We have all heard or seen the Gospel message. Therefore, we cannot give excuses for not believing. No Jew could and no Gentile could. That still applies today. Especially with the technology we have around the world, the Gospel is presented in thousands of dialects and in just about every spot on the globe.

But we still have work to do. God will judge mankind one day, and if someone has not believed in the name of the Son of God and turned to Him for salvation, they will face an eternal hell. Let’s get busy for the kingdom. Today could be our last day on earth. Jesus could return tomorrow to take His bride away. Be diligent.

Father, You have warned us time and time again. You will judge us all one day. I am thankful I know I am Yours.

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