The Beauty of Grace

The nation of Israel had a zeal for God that was misdirected. They attempted to gain the righteousness of God by works but God has always called people to Himself by faith. As Christians, we may read Romans 11 and feel sorrow for the misdirected nation of Israel. I encourage you to study this passage with an eye on yourself.

After many years of ministry, I believe too many Christians are seeking God by doing, by working, by striving to gain favor with God. How refreshing it is to come to the place where you realize that favor with God comes by means of God’s grace received through faith in Jesus Christ alone. Jesus declared in Matthew 11:29-30, Take my yoke upon you, and learn from me, for I am gentle and lowly in heart, and you will find rest for your souls. For my yoke is easy, and my burden is light.

It is easy to jump onto the treadmill of works. The world is about doing more, being more productive, excelling at all costs. The nation of Israel missed the mark not by not doing enough but by trying to do too much, replacing grace with works. Don’t make that mistake. God does not need us. He wants us. He does not need my work. He wants my heart.

Study Romans 11:1-10 at crimsonministries.org under the Books of the Bible tab. Despite Israel’s failure as a nation to earn the righteousness of God, there is always a remnant who sticks to God’s plan of grace. May that be true for you and me.