Hands Holding Earth
November, 26 - Daily Devotions
November Scripture Portion for Bible Commentary : Luke 23 - I Corinthians 10, including the books of John, Acts, and Romans
Chapter 9 deals with Israel's past history; chapter 10 with the present; and chapter 11 with the future. Paul's purpose in these chapters is to explain how God set aside His chosen people; how He had an eternal purpose for the Gentiles; what that purpose was; and how He would restore the nation of Israel at some future date.
Paul was burdened for the nation of Israel. No other nation had had the wonderful opportunities and blessings; yet Israel spurned them and rejected the righteousness of God.
The key Word in this chapter is righteousness. The Jews wanted righteousness, but tried to get it in the wrong way--through works. Religious people today are no different. They think God will accept them for their good works. There are two classes of righteousness-- works and faith. The Jews would not submit to faith righteousness; their racial and religious pride turned them from simple faith to blind religion. They rejected Christ and clung to the Law, not realizing that Christ was the very One for whom the Law had been preparing the way, and that He, Himself, ended the reign of the Law.
There are several practical points presented in chapter 10. First, salvation is for all. Verse 13 says, "For whosoever shall call upon the name of the Lord shall be saved." Another is found in verse 17 which says, "So then faith cometh by hearing, and hearing by the Word of God." It is important that the Word of God be presented to lost sinners. It is the Word that convicts and gives the faith that leads to Christ.
Finally, in our reading today, chapter 11 discusses Israel's future and answers the question, "Has God permanently cast aside His people, or is there a future for the nation?" There is a future for Israel. At the end of the Time of Jacob's Trouble, the nation of Israel will be redeemed and regenerated as a nation. God's promised covenant is quoted in verse 27 (see also Jeremiah 31:31-34). This new covenant will apply to the nation of Israel when they turn from their sins and trust Christ as their Lamb.
