Embracing God's Mystery: Uniting in Faith, Love, and Hope
- Bishop Keith Butler
- Aug 26, 2023
- 2 min read
For I would not, brethren, that ye should be ignorant of this mystery, lest ye should be wise in your own conceits; that blindness in part is happened to Israel, until the fulness of the Gentiles be come in. (Romans 11:25)
In writing Romans 11:25, Paul demonstrated his deep concern for the believers in Rome, urging them to pay attention to this crucial truth. Paul understood the danger of pride and self-reliance. Here, he emphasized the importance of avoiding conceit and spiritual arrogance.
What mystery was he referring to? It is the divine plan of God's redemption unfolding before our eyes. Paul explained that partial spiritual blindness had come upon Israel, since not all Jews have recognized Jesus as their Messiah. However, this partial blindness is not permanent but temporary — until the fulness of the Gentiles is complete. This refers to the time when the Gentiles, non-Jewish believers, come to faith in Christ in great numbers.
Paul's words align with the prophecies found in the book of Revelation. During the Tribulation period, a time of great turmoil and judgment, people will seek the protection and favor of the Jewish people. All of Israel will be saved, and their eyes will be opened to the truth of the true Messiah, Jesus Christ. While chaos is happening in the world, the Jewish people will have the answers.
God is not done with you because you messed up. Even if you are knocked down now, He can pick you right back up again, and that is what He wants to do!
As we deal with those who have not yet accepted Jesus, handle them with honor and humility, knowing that God is not done with them yet. In doing so, we align ourselves with God's heart and become vessels of His love and grace in a world longing for redemption.
Practical Application
Be intentional about proclaiming the good news of Jesus Christ to Jews, Gentiles and people of different cultural contexts than you. Look for opportunities to engage in respectful dialogue and show the love of Christ through your actions.
