SWHW Bible Reading Plan: November 2021Sample

Top Takeaway from Alonda Tanner:

Do you ever feel like you're alone in your faith or the only person taking a stand for truth? The crazier the world gets, the more common that feeling becomes for people in the church. As uncomfortable as it is to feel alone and unseen – what we need to remember is that we are not alone in our commitment to sharing the truth with the world. The truth won't always be popular with the majority, but there will always be a remnant positioned to speak it out. 

In Romans Chapter 11, Paul was addressing one of the many controversies on the table in response to salvation being available to Gentile nations. The Jews had always seen themselves as God's chosen people set apart from the rest of the world. They believed salvation was only for the Jewish people. Paul's letter to the Roman church highlights how through Jesus and the gospel, Gentiles could receive the gift of salvation as well. 

Most people would read these passages and think, “Well, isn't that good news?” The Jews on the other hand had questions. The gospel is so radically different from the law they grew up under. Jesus was radically different from the Messiah they had anticipated He would be. Many still didn't believe that Jesus was Who He said He was. So when Paul brought the gospel to the Jews, not only did it offend many of them, it confused them. They likely wondered-- if God was bringing freedom to the Gentiles, does that mean He's rejecting us?

Paul answered their question, quoting Old Testament scripture, using language and teachings he knew they would understand because of how well versed the Jews were in scripture. Paul says, 

“God has not cast away his people who He foreknew. Or do you not know what the Scripture says in the passage about Elijah, how he pleads with God against Israel? “Lord they have killed your prophets, they have torn down your altars, and I alone am left, and they are seeking my life.” Romans 11:2-3

I wonder if the reason Paul quoted this particular passage of scripture was that in a way, he was living it. Paul endured heavy persecution in response to sharing the gospel message. Oftentimes, at the hands of the Jews themselves. It looked like they had completely cast the truth aside and were out for Paul's life. Paul could relate to Elijah's plea and the burden he carried for the salvation of the people. 

Maybe you can relate too. Maybe you have friends and loved ones that you have been trying to share God's love with, only to be met with rejection or some level of persecution. If you can relate, this scripture Paul quotes (God's response to Elijah's plea) in the next few verses of Romans is for you, too. 

“But what is the divine response to him? ‘I have kept for Myself seven thousand men who have not bowed the knee to Baal.’ In the same way then, there has also come to be at the present time a remnant according to God's gracious grace.” Romans 11:4-5

Why was this passage of scripture important to include in the letter? It served as a reminder to the Jews that their God is a God of covenant, and because He is faithful, He will not abandon them. 

Salvation is for all who will come. Not because we are worthy of it or did anything to deserve it. God makes that especially clear to both Jew and Gentile in Romans 11:13-27. Salvation is only available to any of us because of the depths of God's love for us. 

Just like Paul points out that there will always be a remnant set apart to point people back to God and truth, you and I can trust that God, Who is the same yesterday, today, and forever, will do the same for us. He will not let the truth be silenced. When it looks like the majority has cast the truth aside, be watching and praying for the remnant that God is raising up.  You may even be a part of it. 

God, I'm so thankful that we have Your faithfulness to cling to. There are so many people who are looking for the truth that we have. Give us the boldness to share it without reservations. When it feels like we're walking alone, remind us to be thankful for the remnant You are raising up; the people who will light a path that leads the lost back to You. Thank You for Your provision. In Jesus' name, Amen.