Romans 11:11-24

Where two or more gather, there will be groups. Social sciences have defined groups as two or more people who interact, share similar characteristics, and have a collective sense of unity. Others define groups as being made up of members who self-identify as part of the group. People with a common cause, family relationship, political agenda, religion, purpose or ideology all make up social groups. The Israelites were a group who shared a common religion, national identity and heritage. God created them as a group with the intention that they would serve humanity with a common purpose. They were part of his plan to bring salvation to the world. Because of their bigotry, prejudice and hatred of the gentiles, publicans, sinners and Samaritans they refused to accept Christ. They saw him as a betrayer for ministering to those they scorned.

Before they rejected Christ, God considered them as part of His group, His family and His children. When they rejected Christ, God cut them out of his group. Individuals, both Jew and gentile were adopted into God’s family group when they were reconciled by faith. Paul includes verses 11-24 as both a historical record, but also as a sincere warning. Just as God removed the Israelites from his family because of their hatred and unrighteousness, Paul warns he will do the same to any person claiming membership in God’s group while harboring the same prejudices, bigotry and hatred. For years, some sections of God’s family ignored the warnings, and preached hatred of the Jews. They claimed the name of Christian, but they thought and acted like the devil. Horrors perpetrated against the Jews by the wicked while claiming the name of Christ fill human history. Righteousness allows no room for hatred and bigotry. When a person claims to belong to God, but has a heart filled with hate, they are a liar. Christians are rooted in the faith of Abraham, and all those rooted in faith, bear good fruit. For Christians, hate is not an option.