Israel rejected the Christ, but God did not reject the people of Israel. As an Israelite, Paul accepted Jesus and he served God's mission on behalf of all Israel. God has always worked through a remnant of faithful people-not through the unbelieving majority. In his time, Elijah felt like the only person worshiping God while everyone else worshiped Baal. God told him that he was not alone. God's remnant was there. When Paul felt he was alone, he was reminded of the grace of God, which has never failed to sustain a remnant of believers.

God hardened the people of Israel. He gave them a spirit of stupor and blindness. But even though they rejected God's Messiah, he did not reject them forever in return. God used Israel's transgression to bring salvation to the Gentiles. God hoped to make Israel jealous enough to repent and return. If the world was blessed by Israel's failure, how much more will it be blessed when they come to Christ.


Application: Lord, help me to be mindful of your grace and live in hope.
One Word: Live as a remnant