#235 THE WISDOM OF GOD 10-4-26
Romans 11 takes us into the deep waters of God’s wisdom. Paul has been explaining God’s dealings with Israel and the Gentiles, and as he reaches the end of his argument, he does not pretend that every mystery has been reduced to something simple. Instead, he worships.
Paul writes, “Oh, the depth of the riches both of the wisdom and knowledge of God!” (Romans 11:33).
Sometimes faith means admitting that God sees farther than we do. Romans 11 teaches that God is faithful. Paul asks, “Has God cast away His people?” and answers, “Certainly not!” (Romans 11:1). God had not forgotten His promises. Even when Israel’s history included unbelief and rejection, God continued working according to His purpose.
That should encourage us when we look at our own lives. A difficult chapter does not mean God has abandoned the story. We may not understand what He is doing, but we can trust who He is.
Paul also warns us against pride. Speaking to Gentile believers, he says, “Do not boast against the branches” (Romans 11:18). They had been brought into the people of God by faith, not because they had earned a place through human superiority.
That is still a needed lesson.
Everything we have spiritually is a gift of grace. We have no room for arrogance when we are standing because God has been merciful.
Paul says, “You stand by faith” (Romans 11:20). Not by boasting. Not by human achievement. By faith.
Then Paul brings us to worship. After considering God’s plan, His mercy, His judgment, and His wisdom, Paul breaks into praise: “For of Him and through Him and to Him are all things, to whom be glory forever. Amen” (Romans 11:36).
That is where theology should eventually take us.
To worship.
We can study deeply. We can ask difficult questions. We can search the Bible carefully. We can wrestle with things we do not completely understand. But when we reach the limits of our understanding, we do not reach the limits of God.
His wisdom is deeper than ours. His purposes are greater than ours. His mercy is wider than ours.
Romans 11 leaves us standing before the greatness of God. We do not have to understand everything to trust Him. We do not have to know every detail of tomorrow to obey Him today. And we certainly must not boast about what God has graciously given us.
Paul’s final word is glory.
“For of Him and through Him and to Him are all things.”
Everything begins with God.
Everything is sustained by God.
And everything ultimately points back to God.
So when life seems confusing, trust His wisdom. When blessings make you tempted to boast, remember His grace. And when you cannot explain what God is doing, do what Paul did.
Worship.
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Lord, thank You for the depth of Your wisdom and mercy. Keep us humble when we are blessed, faithful when we are confused, and trusting when we cannot see the whole picture. Help us remember that everything is from You, through You, and ultimately for Your glory. In Jesus’ name, Amen.
Bryan Dewayne Dunaway
