Romans 11:1-21

Conflicted

Through its history the church has had very conflicted attitudes toward the Jews. In Paul’s day the nascent Gentile church was only starting to be a factor and yet, based on this passage they were already starting to feel a level of separation, if not superiority to the Jews. Of course the fierce opposition of the Jews to the Gospel was partly to blame but still, Paul could see issues arising.

There have been times in history when the Church has been extremely antagonistic (even deadly) toward the Jews. The Jews particularly suffered in Europe where they were branded as “Christ Killers” by the institutional church. These persecutions date back to at least the Middle Ages and even played a role in Hitler’s “final solution.” (BTW, the Jews in the Holy Land fared far worse under the Crusaders than they did under the Moslems.)

Another thread that has run through the history of the church is an idea known as Replacement Theology. The concept is that because the Jews rejected Messiah the church has now taken their place in line for the promises made to Abraham and the Old Testament fathers. This idea started as early as the 2nd century and was widely accepted until the mid 20th century when the modern nation of Israel was formed.

Since the formation of the nation state of Israel there has been a radical swing back in the other direction by various elements of the church. They not only recognize Israel’s place in the providence of God but also believe that it is their godly duty to support anything the secular government of Israel puts forth.

Driving in the middle of the road is not the same thing as being lukewarm. Driving in the middle of the road is the only sure way to stay out of a ditch. That is basically what Paul is saying here. Israel has fallen away, but that’s not a good thing. Even though the gospel came to us as a result of them falling away. We don’t know what would have happened had they accepted Christ, but it would have been even better than what we got. And just because salvation has come to us doesn’t mean that we are any better than they were or are.

Here’s an idea. Let God be God and let man walk in humility. Things are far less conflicting that way.