Israel did not understand – Romans 10:14-21
14 But how are they to call on one in whom they have not believed? And how are they to believe in one of whom they have never heard? And how are they to hear without someone to proclaim him? 15 And how are they to proclaim him unless they are sent? As it is written, “How beautiful are the feet of those who bring good news!” 16 But not all have obeyed the good news; for Isaiah says, “Lord, who has believed our message?” 17 So faith comes from what is heard, and what is heard comes through the word of Christ.
18 But I ask, have they not heard? Indeed they have; for
“Their voice has gone out to all the earth,
and their words to the ends of the world.”
19 Again I ask, did Israel not understand? First Moses says,
“I will make you jealous of those who are not a nation;
with a foolish nation I will make you angry.”
20 Then Isaiah is so bold as to say,
“I have been found by those who did not seek me;
I have shown myself to those who did not ask for me.”
21 But of Israel he says, “All day long I have held out my hands to a disobedient and contrary people.”
What does the Passage Say?
V. 14-21 Paul asks series of questions to solve why the Israelite might not have received Christ. ‘If they don’t believe and trust in him, how can they receive the message?’
Then his train of thoughts continues, as he asks, ‘faith comes from hearing the Gospel, and does this mean that they haven’t heard it yet?’ He concludes that they heard the good news, they were merely furious that the Gentiles were receiving it, so they shut the doors to follow the word.
“When you see God reach out to those you consider your inferiors – outsiders – you’ll become insanely jealous. When you see God reach out to people you think are religiously stupid, you’ll throw temper tantrums.” (v. 19 The Message) In a result, they became ‘disobedient and obstinate people.’
What does this mean to us?
Paul’s heart goes out to the Israel people. Even though his focus of ministry is to the Gentiles, which God called him to, his heart still breaks for the people. They seemed to have plenty of opportunities to receive the message, but it became hardened. Reminds me of how Pharoah’s heart became hardened when God sent a message to him to release the Israelites. Somehow the history repeats itself.
We, as Christians, are Gentiles in the eyes of the Israelites. We are the recipients of the Gospel. However, by any chance, is the history repeating itself? When we no longer listen to the message of God, when other countries or another group of people are receiving the message whole heartedly?
Paul says, “Consequently, faith comes from hearing the message, and the message is heard through the word about Christ” (v. 17 NIV)
Lord, open our hearts to whole heartedly receive the Message. If any doubts blocking us to hear your voice, we ask that you will take it away. We pray that we will live this day, as people carrying out your Good News. In Christ Name, Amen.
What are your thoughts?
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