29-30
August 2015 - The Fullness of Israel – Manna by Dorothy Callies
Roman
11:12 KJV, “Now if the fall of them (Israel) be the riches of the world, and
the diminishing of them (Israel) the riches of the Gentiles; how much more
their (Israel’s) fullness?” NTL, “Now if the Gentiles were enriched because the
Jews turned down God’s offer of salvation, think how much greater a blessing
the world would share when the Jews finally accept it.”
From Luke
19:41 *Jesus weeping over Israel’s rejection of God’s way of salvation to the
whole world. *The fullness of Israel may refer to a time when many in Israel
will believe in Jesus Christ as God’s divine Son and Messiah, bringing even
greater blessing to the world (Rom. 11:12). Paul said, “I say then, Have they
stumbled that they should fall? God forbid: but rather through their fall of
salvation is come unto the Gentiles, for to provoke them to jealousy” (Rom.
11:11 KJV).
[*Note from the commentary, The Full Life Study Bible]
Reading
from New Century Version brings much clearer picture so let’s read from Roman
11:11-12. “So I ask: When the Jews fell, did that fall destroy them? No! But
their mistake brought salvation to those who are not Jews (Gentiles), in order
to make the Jews jealous. 12) The Jews’ mistake brought rich blessings for the
world, and the Jews’ loss brought rich blessings for the non-Jewish (Gentile)
people. So surely the world will receive much richer blessings when enough Jews
become the kind of people God wants.”
Another
translation is also good to read from NLT. Romans 11:11-12, “Did God’s people
stumble and fall beyond recovery? Of course not! His purpose was to make His
salvation available to Gentiles, and then Jews would be jealous and want it for
themselves. 12) Now if the Gentiles were enriched because the Jews turned down
God’s offer of salvation, think how much greater a blessing will share when the
Jews finally accept it.” Praise the Lord! This is beyond our imagination!
Another
interesting thing to notice is when the fullness of Gentiles comes to Christ and
then all Israel will be saved. Let’s read Romans 11:25-26, NLT Paul said, “I
want you to understand this mystery . . . Some of the Jews have hard hearts,
but this will last only until the complete number of Gentiles comes to Christ.
26) And so all Israel will be saved. . .” So God’s sincere purpose is to have
mercy on all, both Jews and Gentile, to include in His kingdom all people who
believe in Christ.
Okay,
there were three things that inspired me this month of August: 1) The fullness of time until
Christ came (Gal.4:4); 2) the fullness of Gentiles preparing for
marriage of the Lamb (Rom.11:25); 3) and the fullness of Israel when
they will look upon the “Pierced One,” Jesus, the Messiah, in His mercy will
have wide open arms to embrace His own brothers, His family (Rom.11:12;
Zech.12:10).
Prayer: “Dear Heavenly Father, we want to
thank You for Your marvelous plans when we see the whole thing that You are a
merciful God, to the Gentiles and to Israel. You gave the prophets Your Words
that “A Deliverer will come from Jerusalem, and He will turn Israel from all
ungodliness. And then I will keep My covenant with them and take away their
sins” (Rom.11:26-27; Isa.59:20-21). All things are for Your glory. Thank You
for the wonderful Words of promise. In Jesus’ name we pray, amen!”
Oh! What a
day that will be when we will see Jesus!
What a day
that will be
When my
Jesus I shall see,
When I
look upon His face,
The One
who saved me by His grace
When He
takes me by the hand
And leads
me through the Promised Land
What a
day, glorious day that will be.
(James
Hill, Sing His Praise)
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