²⁸ From the standpoint of the gospel they are enemies for your sake, but from the standpoint of God’s choice they are beloved for the sake of the fathers; ²⁹ for the gifts and the calling of God are irrevocable.

The people of Israel are at the same time both enemies and beloved. Too often in our interpretations we fail to see the nuances and subtleties of biblical communication. We are not talking about equally valid interpretations, for in any given passage there is only one meaning conveyed by God. However, there are differing perspectives. For example, there is one and only one sun around which the earth rotates. However, from different vantage points that same sun looks to be both rising and setting at the same time. From one point of view the sunset lights up the sky in brilliant reds; from another it sets with very little color at all. So Israel can be an enemy of God and beloved of God at the same time.

God is working out His master plan of the universe. This involves a temporary rejection of Israel, and from that standpoint, “they are enemies.” They epitomize those who reject the Gospel message. Anyone who rejects the truth of what God is doing in the world is in the place of an enemy. Israel’s enemy status, however, is only temporary.

If all we had was the Gospel of Jesus Christ, His dying on the cross so that all who believe will come to salvation and restoration to God, we would naturally conclude that the Jews (who not only disbelieve that message, but actively try to censure it) are enemies of God.

However, there is an over-arching truth that provides the context for a greater understanding. Just like the earth’s rotation around the sun, with the light rays interacting with atmospheric conditions, provides context for understanding the various sunset and sunrise experiences, so also God’s promises to the patriarchs (“the fathers”) provides the context for our theology of salvation. In particular, the “gifts and the calling of God are irrevocable.” “Gifts” refer to those things mentioned in Romans 9:4-5, including the adoption as sons, the covenants, the Law, temple services, etc. Being called by God is also irrevocable. In other words, there is something God has given and done for Israel that simply will not be taken away. They are “beloved.” And that is not because of anything they have done or not done. It is “for the sake of the fathers.” Israel benefits simply and purely because of promises God made to Abraham, Isaac and Jacob, and through Moses and the prophets.

Lord, thank You that my salvaton is not due to anything I have done or not done, but simply and purely because of Your word of promise. Therefore, I am secure.