Have you ever struggled trying to wrap your head around why things are the way they are in this old world? What is God up to? 

Even when the gospel message is presented clearly, it isn’t always easy to understand. Paul presented the gospel message clearly in Romans 10:9–10. Then he went on to deal with many of the questions that the gospel truth would raise for his readers. One of the biggest questions is this: If it’s all about Jesus, then what happens to the Jewish people who don’t believe in him? How will God deal with them? Is there any hope for the Israelites?

Paul works his way through this, giving assurance that God hasn’t rejected them. He offers both hope and warnings to his readers. He speaks of both the kindness and sternness of God. In the end, our hope for salvation flows directly out of God’s mercy. God doesn’t play favorites. “For God has bound everyone over to disobedience so that he may have mercy on them all” (v. 32). We’ve all sinned, and we all need God’s mercy. That mercy is available because Jesus paid the price for our sins.

Thinking about God’s mercy leads directly into a beautiful prayer of glorious praise to God. Paul recognizes God’s wondrous wisdom and knowledge in bringing all of this about. Why can’t we understand God? Why can’t we fully know him now? Because he’s too big for us! He made us. We didn’t make him! God made everything! “For from him and through him and for him are all things” (v. 36, NIV). When you come right down to it, it’s all about God! God has a plan and he’s working the plan! “To him be the glory forever! Amen” (v. 36).

Lord, we praise you for your love and mercy. Help us to trust you even when we don’t understand!

Mary Roller, Hickory, N.C.