GIVING HONOR TO GOD. Romans 11:33-36 This hymn of outpouring praise to God is an expression of gratitude for God’s great plan of salvation. The preeminence of Christ is evident in every part of life; in universal government, in reconciliation, in wisdom and knowledge, in religious observances and in Christian living. God’s governance is perfect in wisdom, justice and love.
How wise and carefully designed are the plans of God and the carrying out of those amazing purposes for the blessing of all mankind! God made us for Himself; not as mindless senseless robots, but as part of His creation that could respond willingly to His love, acts of grace and mercy of our own volition. In His sovereign will He chose Israel and did not cast them off completely when they refused and ignored His will and His Son. He temporarily set them aside and at the same time, chose from them by His sovereign electing grace, a remnant who would be part of His heavenly people, the Church. Israelis were the foundation and as time passed, were formed as living stones in the building. Even though these are the "times of the Gentiles," God still has plans for the nation to be grafted again into the root of the faith of Abraham and flourish again.
No philosophy or design of intelligent men could ever have conceived such an all-encompassing plan as a way to bring people who can make choices, into fellowship and harmony with the Almighty Creator. He is the Supreme Ruler of the universe, He is the Righteous, Eternal God - and we can know Him! Right at the beginning of mans' history there was fellowship followed by failure but a means of acceptance was made because of the substitution of an innocent victim. Then on the basis of Abraham's faith in God, blessing was provided for all the nations of the earth. The faith-principle was established and it pleased God. Years later the nation formed from Abraham's seed turned away from their privileged position to copy the Gentile nations. They began to interpret the God law gave them in their own way to suit their own purposes. When their promised Messiah came to them, they rejected Him and remain cut off from national blessing until this day. But God will fulfill His promises to them as His earthly people through whom all Gentile nations will again be blessed.
V.33. The whole mystery of the Gospel is beyond our comprehension. It is “unsearchable.” We can never know fully God’s purposes and counsels, nor can we understand His ways of bringing about the accomplishment of His sovereign will.
V.34. No one can know the infinite mind of God. No one can ever give any advice to God about His ways, His works or the wonders of His wisdom. We dare not prescribe to God or teach Him, but we can have the mind of Christ so we can think holy thoughts about God. When we consider the divine plan of salvation and the results it brings now and forever, our limited mental capacity is able to give honor and worship to Him for His mercy, grace and love.
V.35. We might learn a few things about our Infinite God, but even that is only as He is willing to reveal them. God is in no way beholden to us, but we certainly owe Him for life breath and all things. Everything that exists is "of Him." He is the Cause and the Source of everything that is. All of us are absolutely dependent on God whether we admit it or not.
V.36. He has absolute power and wisdom and deserves our praise and worship for all His benefit toward us and well as for who He is to us. "Through Him" everything works bringing the effect He desires. He is the Sustainer and Upholder of all things. Everything is for Him to fulfill His eternal purposes. How can we ever describe, or even attempt to describe, our God! This is impossible!
As a Gentile who has been brought in and grafted into the root of the faith of Abraham, I have been brought into the place of blessing as a member of Christ's Body. I know Israel has been broken off while we who are strangers have been brought in. But now it seems our times of blessing are about passed. So-called Christians have set about to do the same as unbelieving Israel did. Forms, traditions, ego-building ideas have been substituted for repentance of sin, faith in Christ alone, and heart-felt gratitude for the grace of God that has been shown to us. We (the Church of God) have not taken the place of Israel, and never will. But Christendom has gone so far from God's plan, that there is no way we Gentiles can escape the judgment of God!
I know I cannot describe God nor understand His infinite Person. But I have experienced His grace, His mercy and His love. I know He is perfect in wisdom and justice. I know He is the Source of all things physical, moral and eternal - and even of us as human beings. I know He has done all things well and through all that has been brought into being, displays the perfections of His glory. I know He enables me to glorify Him in my body and spirit which He has purchased with the blood of Christ. I know Him, speak to Him, enjoy Him and love Him. He is my God, my Father, my Savior, my Redeemer, my Lord and Master, my Priest, my King - all glory and praise, all honor and blessing be to my God forever and ever!