The Door
Romans 11:30-32
As you once disobeyed God, but now have received mercy through their (Jews) disobedience, so they too have now disobeyed, resulting in mercy to you, so that they also now may receive mercy. For God has imprisoned all in disobedience, so that He may have mercy on all.
Oh, how the gospel of Jesus Christ frees us! God opened the door of forgiveness to all, including us Gentiles, through faith in His Son. Now, those who have rejected Him have the same opportunity for mercy as we who have believed do. He opens this door for all by shutting doors around those who don’t believe. In this regard, those who don’t believe are outcast from the blessing of God, having great need of His mercy.
I love the Message Bible’s translation of these verses:
There was a time not so long ago when the Jews slammed the door on Him (Christ) and things opened up for you. Now they are on the outs! But with the door held wide open for you, they have a way back in. In one way or another, God makes sure that we all experience what it means to be on the outside so that He can personally open the door and welcome us back in.
Who among us has not felt what it is like to be on the outside looking in? You see what you want but know you are not a part of it. God has opened a door for all to enter and receive His mercy. If you find yourself on the outside, walk through that door and receive forgiveness. The same God who has blessed others is willing to bless you from an abundance of love and generosity. Just as He has opened a door for you, He wants to open it for others, as well. Can you show them the door?
As verses 35-36 in the Message Bible states:
Everything comes from Him;
Everything happens through Him;
Everything ends up in Him.
Always glory! Always praise!
Yes. Yes. Yes.
Regardless of which side of that door you find yourself today, you can praise God. Everything happens from Him, through Him, and by Him, and He is most worthy of our praise. We can trust Him to give us a “Yes!” We simply have to say, “Yes,” to Him and walk through that door of repentance. What is on the other side is worth it!
Have a blessed day!