The Depth of the Wisdom of God!

Read Leviticus 11

Read Romans 11

Why did God choose Abram to be the father of a nation? Why did God choose Issac instead of Ishmael? Why did God choose Jacob instead of Esau? Why did God choose to bring salvation to the Jewish people? Why did God choose to bring salvation to the Gentiles through the Jews (the Jews who were blessed to be a blessing to the whole earth, by the way)?

I can't explain why God choose to bring about salvation in this way. No sooner can I explain why in Leviticus 11 God decides some animals are clean to eat, and some must not even be touched. Later would reveal to the Apostle Peter that all things are now clean to eat. There is considerable freedom in Christ. But why the temporary restriction? Who can say?

It's better off that we don't dabble in speculation. Paul sets out how the salvation works. And then he encourages us to leave the "why" up to God and to respond, rather, with faith. Paul says, "Oh, the depth of the riches and wisdom and knowledge of God! How unsearchable are his judgments and how inscrutable his ways! For who has known the mind of the Lord, or who has been his counselor? Or who has given a gift to him that he might be repaid?" (v. 33-35).

We don't give God a gift of works or of righteousness. Rather, he is the one who has given us a gift, a gift that is grasped by faith. In this way, we are children of Abraham. Paul has made it clear that we are heirs of salvation not because of a bloodline (9:6-7), nor by works (11:5-6), but by grace. We, who are children of Abraham by faith, are heirs of salvation. We have been grafted into the family tree of God's people. Those who do not believe are broken off (11:20). But all who believe are grafted in, both Jew and Gentile (11:24).

(By the way, the notion that all Jewish people will be saved because they are Jewish is a misunderstanding of 11:12 and 26. When we examine these verses in light of the rest of Romans, especially Romans 9-11, then we see that salvation comes by grace through faith alone, not by being a certain nationality or performing certain rituals. Jewish and Gentile believers are the "New Israel," that is, the Church - in this way all Israel will be saved.)

So, why God does things a certain way, I cannot answer. But I don't need to. I simply rejoice in the salvation that was won for me on the cross of Christ, salvation promised to me in my baptism, salvation reassured to me every time I hear the Gospel and receive the Eucharist, salvation that gives me great joy and hope and life.

How can we not all rejoice with Paul, "For from him and through him and to him are all things. To him be glory forever. Amen!" (11:36).

Pray:

O God, grant me the strength of faith to confess with the hymn:


God moves in a mysterious way
His wonders to perform;
He plants His footsteps in the sea
And rides upon the storm.

Judge not the Lord by feeble sense,
But trust Him for His grace;
Behind a frowning providence
Faith sees a smiling face.

His purposes will ripen fast,
Unfolding ev’ry hour;
The bud may have a bitter taste,
But sweet will be the flow’r.

Blind unbelief is sure to err
And scan His work in vain;
God is His own interpreter,
And He will make it plain

You fearful saints, fresh courage take;
The clouds you so much dread
Are big with mercy and will break
In blessings on your head.

(LSB 765, Public Domain)

Study with me tomorrow,

Pastor Jon

Soli Deo Gloria!