Romans 9:23-26, God’s Mercy Upon the Gentiles
Romans 9:23-26 (KJV) 23 And that he might make known the riches of his glory on the vessels of mercy, which he had afore prepared unto glory, 24 Even us, whom he hath called, not of the Jews only, but also of the Gentiles? 25 As he saith also in Osee, I will call them my people, which were not my people; and her beloved, which was not beloved. 26 And it shall come to pass, that in the place where it was said unto them, Ye are not my people; there shall they be called the children of the living God.
The Apostle Paul quotes the prophet Hosea who was called by God to declare His Word to Judah concerning her unfaithfulness in departing from her God. At the time of Hosea’s ministry to the south, the North Kingdom has already been destroyed in 722 B.C. by the Assyrian invaders 12 years earlier. God’s judgment up the Southern Kingdom will come later in 586 B.C.
Hosea was instructed by the Lord to marry an adulterous woman as a visual example of Judah’s spiritual adultery in departing from their God. The purpose was to jolt them to realize their unfaithfulness toward their God so that they may repent and return to their God. Hosea married Gomer and God gave them three children. The first child is a son whose name predicted the destruction of the Northern Kingdom of Israel. The second child is a girl predicting the scattering of the Northern Kingdom and God’s mercy on the Southern Kingdom. The third child is a boy. The Apostle Paul quotes Hosea 1:10 that predicts Judah’s restoration to God’s favour again. He is predicting by this example the drawing in of the Gentiles by God to salvation.
Although the Gentiles were not God’s people, the Apostle Paul, nevertheless, uses this example to show God’s mercy in saving them. Thank God for His mercy that salvation is extended to the Gentiles. Many Christians in Rome were Gentiles. God opened their spiritual eyes to embrace Jesus Christ as their Lord and Saviour. He reminds them of their great spiritual privilege though undeserving. Truly, before coming to God through Christ, we were once rebels. It is by the great mercy of God that we are saved. May the Lord help us to count our blessings. Amen.