Reflection for Wednesday, Mar 5, 2008

Romans 11:1-10

In the prior verse the Israelites are described as contrary and disobedient, and in Chapter 11 Elijah speaks of their destruction and his own imminent danger. The Lord did not turn His back on his people in their time of trouble; instead, He assured Elijah that His covenant had not been broken, and that faith in Him would still be rewarded.

Although Paul wrote this passage for his own time, his words apply equally today. They remind us that no matter how much we immerse ourselves in prayer and study, we still cannot know perfectly the will of God. What seemed to Elijah to be the end of his people and their covenant was only a troubled time that would be surmounted. In even the greatest tragedy there is a meaning, even if we cannot find it immediately. No matter how bad things may seem, we have not been abandoned to fate. Instead, through the grace of God those who embrace him will be saved. This means that no matter how often we stumble and are drawn away from God by the pleasures of everyday life, we will still be able to turn back to God and be welcomed like the Prodigal Son. There may be times in our lives when we think that God has withdrawn from our lives, but He is always for our return with open arms. What a comforting thought! No matter what we are going through, through his grace we are safe and will eternal life in heaven with Him.

by Katy and Matt Sandiford