“Entitlement”

BIBLE READING: Romans 9

               There seems to be a lot of discussion (or controversy) in our country about social class “privilege”.  A lot of people voice their opinions nowadays that it is unfair that some people are born into situations that are very beneficial materially, where some are not.  While it may be true that we are all born into different situations (a debate can be had as to if that is unfair), we are all on common ground with the fact that we all have a life to live.  We can all make choices each and every day to shape that life, and what it becomes.

               The Jewish section of the people that Paul is addressing in Romans 9 had a lot of problems with this.  They felt that they were entitled to the grace of God.  First, realize that Paul would do anything he could to save his Jewish brethren.  In the first five verses, Paul’s desire is to give up his own salvation to save his Jewish brethren.  What an amazing statement!  We can know he is not just saying this, but that he really means it.  By being guided by the Holy Spirit to write these things, the Spirit is checking his conscience to know that these things are true.  He then spends the entire chapter reminding the Israelites how they rejected God and that His law is no longer what saves them.  He needed them to realize this so they can begin to accept the pathway to salvation … the grace of God, and that it was not just for the Jews, who were chosen by Him at the beginning, but that it was available to all.  And thank God that it is!