Isn’t it great that we have
the same examples to turn to as did Paul, e.g. His reference to Elijah (Elias)
and Elijah’s complaining that he was the only one left to carry on God’s
work? God told him “I have reserved to myself seven thousand men,
who have not bowed the knee to the image of Baal.” The lesson is perhaps
that there will always be a remnant of believers to carry on the work.
And so, for us, the lesson carries through from the Old Testament
to the New.
Paul goes on to affirm that
all must come to Christ some time and in some way – God will provide the
opportunity and the willingness. Even the broken-off branches of the
olive tree can be grafted on again by God’s grace, and made to bear fruit.
Paul finishes Chapter 11 on a
triumphant note:
For who hath know the mind of
the Lord? or who hath been his counseller? Or who hath first given to
him, and it shall be recompensed unto him again? For of him, and through
him, are all things: to whom be glory for ever. Amen.*
Joyce Voysey
Ed.
*Here's how Eugene Petersen has those verses in The Message:
Is there anyone around who can explain God?
Anyone smart enough to tell him what to do?
Anyone who has done him such a huge favor
that God has to ask his advice?
Everything comes from him;
Everything happens through him;
Everything ends up in him.
Always glory! Always praise!
Yes. Yes. Yes.
For me, it's a helpful paraphrase and elucidates the meaning so that I can return to the King James Version's rich, compact and powerful translation with deeper appreciation and insight.
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