All of God

Rom. 9:32-33

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."

Chapter 9 teaches the relationship between the law and faith, between the Israelites and the Gentiles.

With either group of people there is no failure in the word of God. What God has said stands true. He will have mercy and compassion on whom He will have mercy and compassion. It is His choice so that no human exertion is involved. It depends only on God and His express will. Can the lump of clay cry out to its molder about its existence? No, the potter has the express right of making the vessel exactly how he wants it whether vessels for honor or dishonor. 

For the children of the promise:

• Isaac was the one through whom the offspring would be named. He was the child of the promise.
• Before Isaac was even born, the promised peoples were a reality. It was through Isaac that God's purpose of election might continue not of works but because of Him who called.
• The Gentiles who did not pursue righteousness have attained it because it is a righteousness by faith. 

For Israel:

• Israel pursued a law and failed miserably because it was not of faith.
• They stumbled over the stumbling stone, Jesus. 

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."  It all comes down to Jesus.  Did you accept or reject? Did you choose human exertion or faith in Jesus? Did you want to earn your salvation or have the gift of Jesus through faith? Why are people so bent on works? Perhaps it feeds the ego. They can bluster about all they have accomplished. But for me, I want to tell of all God has done for me!

Father,

Thank You for the gift of faith and salvation. I love Jesus and want to live for Him. Strengthen me in Your grace and power.

In the name of Jesus,

Amen