Trivial Pursuit? (Romans 9:30-33)

SCRIPTURE

Romans 9:30-33
What shall we say, then? That Gentiles who did not pursue righteousness have attained it, that is, a righteousness that is by faith; but that Israel who pursued a law that would lead to righteousness did not succeed in reaching that law. Why? Because they did not pursue it by faith, but as if it were based on works. They have stumbled over the stumbling stone, as it is written,
“Behold, I am laying in Zion a stone of stumbling, and a rock of offense;
and whoever believes in him will not be put to shame.”

COMMENT

Israel pursued righteousness (as do many Christians today) through the law. It was what they were taught and what they knew. It is also the default condition of the human heart and thought process when it comes to reconciliation. If I did someone wrong, I must make restitution. Our laws are based on this idea. But Israel did not attain their goal, for there is no law that leads to reconciliation with God. There is nothing we can do to reconcile our behavior with a perfect God.

Yet there is hope, because there is a righteousness available that is not based on the law. Instead, it is based on faith. Through faith we are saved because through faith we are forgiven. Think of a child who has committed an act against their parents. Let's say they became angry and threw a rock through one of the windows of the house. Later, they regret their action. They make a card telling their parent how sorry they are, they are sincerely sorry and realize their wrong. The parent forgives them? Why? Was it the card? Could the parent take the card to the store and buy a new window with it? No. Clearly, not enough restitution has been made to forgive the act, yet it was forgiven because of the heart of the child. Grace.

So what happens to the child who is not under grace? They are under the law. They will likely face punishment because of their action. The law and the punishment do not make for reconciliation. Or what if the child takes it upon themself to reconcile, so they go into their piggy bank, take out enough money to repair the window, and gives it to the parents. No apology, no remorse, just hands them the money and walks away. Is there reconciliation? Has the relationship been restored? Not at all.

Jesus is the stumbling stone for those who rely on the law. A rock of offense. That is becuse with Jesus you cannot just pay your restitution and move on with life as if all is well. He requires faith, repentance, genuine sorrow. Basically, with Jesus we cannot fix it through our own actions, but only through faith. And those who believe in Him will not be put to shame, Amen.