Romans 11: 1-2a, 29-32 (NRSV)
Read Romans 11: 1-2a, 29-32 on biblegateway.com
Chapter 11I ask, then, has God rejected his people? By no means! I myself am an Israelite, a descendant of Abraham, a member of the tribe of Benjamin. Verse 2God has not rejected his people whom he foreknew. Do you not know what the scripture says of Elijah, how he pleads with God against Israel? Verse 29for the gifts and the calling of God are irrevocable. Verse 30Just as you were once disobedient to God but have now received mercy because of their disobedience, Verse 31so they have now been disobedient in order that, by the mercy shown to you, they too may now receive mercy. Verse 32For God has imprisoned all in disobedience so that he may be merciful to all.
Devotion
Some days are just plain awful. You know those days: the day you realized that you are not perfect or the day you realized that you are capable of making mistakes—big mistakes. Sometimes those days make us question our calling in life. Am I really a child of God—worthy of love and forgiveness?
The Scriptures remind us that “the gifts and calling of God are irrevocable.” In other words, the gifts and calling of God are irreversible and final. God will not take away those promises. God has brought you into the family and will not abandon or reject you. Instead, God is full of mercy and offers you a fresh start.
Prayer
God, thank you for the gift of mercy. Remind us of our place in your family. Amen.