Read: Romans 9:6-13; Matthew 20:1-15
It is not as though the word of God has failed. (Rom. 9:6)
When I use directions from the map on my phone when I’m driving, I occasionally make a wrong turn. Especially when I’m lost, the app seems to take a long time to recalculate the route. But it always eventually tells me where I need to go next.
Similarly, in today’s reading Paul was helping believers in Jesus of a Jewish background to recalculate God’s salvation route. Jewish believers were feeling pushed aside by Gentile believers who were claiming the same privilege as they did, as the elect people of God. Paul pointed out that the promise of God through Abraham and Sarah did not come through Ishmael, who was oldest, but from the youngest, Isaac. That made some sense because Ishmael was the son of a slave girl (Rom. 9:6-9). But Paul quickly followed with a second story from the patriarchs of twins born to Rebekah (see Genesis 25 and 27). There also, instead of the custom of the blessing going to Esau, the oldest son, the blessing and promise of God came through Jacob, the youngest son (Rom. 9:10-13).
Jewish believers in the Roman house churches had to recalculate their exclusive elective privilege. In Jesus, they now shared salvation with Gentile believers, a message right from Jesus (Matt. 20:1-15). God has a reliable route map, but it has some surprises on the road to Jesus Christ. We, too, need to recalculate and make room for new believers as they exercise their spiritual gifts and leadership.
As you pray, ask God to give you an open heart to welcome new believers in Jesus Christ.
Kent Fry is a retired pastor and visiting research fellow at the Van Raalte Institute in Holland, Michigan. He and his wife, Joyce, are active members of Second Reformed Church in Zeeland, Michigan. Kent is an active cyclist, and he and Joyce enjoy time with their children and grandchildren.
