The Unending Love of God

Romans 10:19-11:8

Jesus told the story of rebellious son in Luke 15:11-32. It is a common story today, and I will try to tell it in modern terms. The young man did not want his parents to tell him what to do, so he determined to get away from their control. At the same time he wanted his father to provide for him just as he did for the rest of the family, and demanded that he be given enough money to set him up on his own and support him until he could get on his feet. His loving father realized that the boy would continue to rebel as long as he stayed at home, and allowed him to leave, hoping he’d eventually realize what he was giving up.

The young man went into the city and indulged in all the things he thought would be so satisfying. He was undoubtedly proud that he was not so stupid as his brother who’d stayed behind and missed out on the wonderful things. Eventually, he ran out of money, and the glamour disappeared. Ashamed to admit the his failure, he tried to make it on his own. He lost his friends, and became homeless. As things got worse, unable to get a job capable of supporting him, he volunteered to do a menial job for free in order to get access to the dumpsters where he might find something to eat.

Finally recognizing how badly he’d messed up, and hurt his family, the young man returned home to apologize and ask forgiveness. Humbled, he asked if there was some job he could do to support himself. Instead of holding his indiscretions against him, his father welcomed him home with open arms, treating him as if there had never been a problem.

Israel had been much like that rebellious young man. They wanted God’s provision, but did not want God to have any say in their lives. They were determined that he should fund them while they did their own thing. Like the prodigal son’s father, God has not jumped to their rescue as their situation has deteriorated, waiting until they humble themselves and admit they need his help.

“But I say, Did not Israel know? First Moses saith, I will provoke you to jealousy by them that are no people, and by a foolish nation I will anger you. But Esaias is very bold, and saith, I was found of them that sought me not; I was made manifest unto them that asked not after me. But to Israel he saith, All day long I have stretched forth my hands unto a disobedient and gainsaying people.” (Romans 10:19-21)

The entire time, the prodigal sons father had waited, hoping for his son’s return. When he saw him coming, he ran to meet him, and to do whatever he could for him. It was not in a manipulative sense of victory, but a frank outpouring of love, not waiting for an apology or setting any conditions. Unlike some parents I know, he had not disowned him or cut him out of his will because of his failure to do what his dad wanted.

“I say then, Hath God cast away his people? God forbid. For I also am an Israelite, of the seed of Abraham, of the tribe of Benjamin. God hath not cast away his people which he foreknew. Wot ye not what the scripture saith of Elias? how he maketh intercession to God against Israel, saying, Lord, they have killed thy prophets, and digged down thine altars; and I am left alone, and they seek my life. But what saith the answer of God unto him? I have reserved to myself seven thousand men, who have not bowed the knee to the image of Baal.” (Romans 11:1-4)

Like the Prodigal son’s brother, Elijah became resentful that God blessed Israel when he thought about how inconsiderate and selfish they’d been. He didn’t understand that there was still a connection on both sides. The prodigal son was still his father’s son. There were still Jews in Israel who loved God, although they were not readily observed.

“Even so then at this present time also there is a remnant according to the election of grace. And if by grace, then is it no more of works: otherwise grace is no more grace. But if it be of works, then is it no more grace: otherwise work is no more work. What then? Israel hath not obtained that which he seeketh for; but the election hath obtained it, and the rest were blinded (According as it is written, God hath given them the spirit of slumber, eyes that they should not see, and ears that they should not hear;) unto this day.” (Romans 11:5-8)

The prodigal son didn’t understand that he hadn’t earned his share of his fathers wealth, so he demanded it as something he was owed, not understanding that it was a gift(grace).Israel made the same mistake, convinced that God owed them. Believing they could do a s well or better without God to direct them, Israel set out to do it their way. They ignored God’s suggestions and warnings, like the young man did his father’s. Like him, they did not get the results they expected, and like him they have continued to ignore the problems, sure that they can make it work if they just do it right.