23. “Rejected?” (Romans 11:1-16)

There are few experiences more devastating than rejection. Rejection means the denial of love, acceptance and approval. In the Greek (Apotheomai) it means to be “thrust away.” At one time we have all experienced being “thrust away.” 

More often than not, the deepest wounds were delivered by those from whom we most seek affirmation and approval – our parents, family, spouse, and boss. The ultimate source of affirmation and approval for the believer, of course, is God. 
I remember that as a new believer, I had serious reason to believe that I had been rejected by God. As a new Christian, I found that my life was still marked by sin and compromise, and I truly wondered if I might have taken advantage of God’s grace and mercy too many times. That He would finally say, “Bob, it’s over. You have ignored my Word, violated my commands and spurned the promptings of the Holy Spirit one too many. 
times.”

In chapter 11, Paul addresses the question of whether God has given up on Israel. It was a natural question because the majority of the Jews had rejected the long-awaited Messiah. At the close of chapter 10, Paul quotes several Old Testament scriptures that would seem to prepare us for God’s final and irrevocable rejection of Israel. But fortunately for Israel -- and for us -- this conclusion would be wrong!

 

Enjoy the message, 

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