But This I Do Know!

Romans 11:33: “Oh the depth of the riches and wisdom and knowledge of God! How unsearchable are his judgments and how inscrutable his ways! For from him and through him and to him are all things. To him be glory forever. Amen.”

Paul has been teaching about God’s grace and mercy in Romans 9-11, the importance of Israel accepting the gospel, and how much Paul’s heart’s desire and prayer was for them to receive this free gift of salvation. Paul frequently quoted from Isaiah throughout the book of Romans, because the Jews would have quickly understood those points. He equally preached to the Gentiles this gospel message that righteousness is not based on following the law of Moses, but in faith in Christ. Paul states the gospel is available for all and that no one is exempt. The responsibility lies on each person to respond to God’s mercy and grace.  He also talks about the foolishness of Pharoah’s hardened heart, and yet God’s sovereign plan still ruled. Paul quoted (Rom. 9:17,18)  from Exodus 9:16: “But for this purpose I have raised you up, to show you my power, so that my name may be proclaimed in all the earth.” God used rebellious and stubborn Pharoah to show His power and Pharoah’s rebellion against God would be his own punishment. This is still true for mankind today. This choice could come to an end at any moment.

Romans 11:33 is Paul’s doxology and prayer of praise to God for the wisdom of His plan. God’s sovereignty and human responsibility go together. We are to be steadfast in our faith in Christ and be faithful in sharing the gospel with others. God is responsible for the results.

I am going for a visit to see family. This will be a different visit than the previous ones. It will be bitter-sweet. I know my dad especially will look much different than when I last saw him a year ago. His body is weak. Memories of growing up in Northwest Iowa are flooding my mind. My love for writing and teaching came from my Dad. He was the best makeup story creator and storyteller! He always told a makeup story every night before saying our prayers before my brother and I went to sleep for the evening. Those are happy memories.

My Dad had a passionate desire for God’s Word. He wanted everyone he came in contact with to know that Christ died for all and that there is nothing one can do to earn their salvation in Christ. Just repent, accept, and believe in Christ’s free gift of salvation, while my Mom is the prayer warrior between the two of them. Her prayers helped transform my life. I know my Dad, and my Mom has read the Bible through from Genesis to Revelation almost every year. But recently, my Dad more than ever is yearning to walk the streets of gold in Heaven with Jesus without pain, and without needing a walker. My Mom is looking forward to being able to hear when she gets to heaven and then won’t be missing out on anything anymore.

Paul’s doxology declaration in Romans 11:33, my Dad will be singing up in Heaven soon. He sees the wonder of God’s riches and wisdom as something he always wanted to learn more about. God’s sovereign plan knows it all. His mercy is abundant and cannot be measured. His justice is perfect and beyond our ability to comprehend. God is in control has unmeasurable wisdom, grace, compassion, and truth, and love for all. He is the great I am. He is simply God.

Do you have a Pharoah in the way in your life today? What you cannot figure out, whatever doesn’t make sense, know that God has no limitations. Job never received an explanation of logical reasons he went through the trials he experienced. It was part of God’s plan and he encountered God Himself and that met his need in the end. Paul could identify with Job. He tried to explain the magnificence of the Holy Spirit and to reveal the plans of God, but his explanations came up short. Gramarly.com would not have been able to assist Paul in finding just the right words of descriptive vocabulary. Human reasoning has limitations. God does not. Paul then stood silent before the supremity and abundance of God’s sophisticated majesty in the doxology of Romans 11:33-36 – the benefits of God’s sovereignty.

This reading may seem a bit rambling compared to my other devotional writings. I feel a little like spaghetti right now. Do you ever feel that way too? But I do know God’s Word speaks truth, and God is my shelter, my shield, and protector. Many things are out of my control and won’t make sense. Remember what happened to Pharoah in the end. God always wins! This I do know!

Listen to the Newsboys – Symphony (Official Lyric Video) YouTube song and This I Know (Audio). Let the words bring joy to your heart over all the chaos.