Welcome back, Bible lovers! We’re picking up where we left off yesterday, focusing on God’s promise that all Israel will be saved. Yet, He gave us Gentiles the privilege of working with Him in the process! Our Biblical obligation is to provoke the people of Israel to jealousy. We know their Messiah personally, and we are to make them jealous for the same relationship we have. We’re anchored in Romans 11.

So, we know our mandate, but what does “Israel” mean? Is Israel some “spiritual Israel” in which Gentiles have somehow intertwined to become the “new Israel?” Of course not! That may sound facetious to some, but that false theology is held by some. It negates the Abrahamic Covenant which provided an EVERLASTING promise of land and descendants to Abraham and his descendants (actual, ethnic Israel). To lie would go against a holy God’s character, so when He says “everlasting,” it means “everlasting.” Land and descendants will always remain the promise of God to the Jewish people.

Furthermore, the promise of Romans 11:26 indicates the Deliverer will come out of Zion (Israel)! Israel’s blinded eyes will be open and salvation will come out of Zion! That passage also promises that salvation leads from death to life for all people, Jews and Gentiles.

What about that term, “irrevocable,” in verse 29? Simple. The gifts and calling of God are irrevocable. They cannot be reversed! Everlasting is everlasting, and God has not altered Israel’s calling as His uniquely called people.

Though, for the most part, Israel remains in rebellion toward God, God has not changed His mind about them! He will pour out His Spirit upon them at the appointed time. Even in Israel’s rejection and rebellion their calling stands firm. Look to Israel to see how a righteous King relates to His people. His faithfulness to Israel is the warranty of our own salvation!

As indicated in yesterday’s post, God invites Christians to join Him in His work to bring salvation to all Israel. But Israel also has a very special calling. Verse 15 says:

¹⁵ For if their being cast away is the reconciling of the world, what will their acceptance be but life from the dead?

In a turn of events orchestrated only by God, it was the Jews’ rejection of Jesus the Messiah that opened the doorway of salvation to Gentiles. By God’s sovereign design, we are reconciled to God because of their rebellion. Yet, their salvation brings life from the dead! The fullness of the Jews will consummate God’s plan of salvation for all (Jews and Gentiles) who put their trust in Him! We all play a part!

In the Millennial Kingdom, there will be no distinction between Jews and Gentiles, but all will gather together to worship the King of Kings and Lord of Lords! Meanwhile, let’s fulfill our mandate to provoke the Jews to jealousy. Biblically, we do that by praying for Israel (Psalm 122, Isaiah 62, Ezekiel 33), comforting God’s people (Isaiah 40), and blessing Israel (Genesis 12).

Dear friends, find ways to do that! You will be blessed in return!