Romans 11
by David Giles
The remnant of Israel
Discussion Questions
- Do you believe God has replaced his relationship with Israel with that of the Church, or will the Jews be ‘grafted back’ into a relationship with God through belief in Jesus Christ (vv 11-27)?
- Is Christianity rooted in Judaism?
- What is the primary doctrinal difference between a Jew and a Christian?
Share your thoughts below, or tweet about it with the #boundlessbible hashtag. Don't forget this week's Children's Challenge!
Going Deeper From 'Words of Life'
T oday’s hymn, written in the 18th century, is a beautiful expression of
God’s providence. It was written by an English poet who greatly suffered
from mental distress. William Cowper stayed 18 months in an asylum for
the insane, several times attempting suicide. While in the asylum, he started
reading the Bible and was converted at the age of 33.
He still remained haunted by depression, at times feeling utterly forsaken
by God. But he wrote hymns reflecting the mysterious yet beautiful moving
of God in our lives. In this hymn the first two verses read as follows:
God moves in a mysterious way His wonders to perform;
He plants his footsteps in the sea And rides upon the storm.
Deep in unfathomable mines Of never-failing skill,
He treasures up his bright designs And works his sovereign will.
(SASB 29)
Some have speculated that this was Cowper’s final hymn, written
following a failed suicide attempt. No matter the circumstance, the words
help us. When facing difficulties, we are to be courageous. God’s mercy will
pour over us, strengthening and blessing us:
Ye fearful saints, fresh courage take: e clouds ye so much dread
Are big with mercy and shall break In blessings on your head.
(v 3)
Do we ever have doubts? Fears? We are to take everything to the Lord,
and give it all to him. He will then set us straight, making everything clear
and plain. Let’s repeat together the final verse:
Blind unbelief is sure to err And scan his work in vain;
God is his own interpreter, And he will make it plain.
Beverly Ivany
Image courtesy of freebibleimages.org