August 16, 2026 Text: Romans 11:1-2a, 13-15, 28-32
Dear Friends in Christ,
In recent times, there has been a resurgence of hate for people of Jewish ethnicity, what is known as anti-Semitism. How many of you know the origin of the word? Semites were the race that was derived from Shem, one of Noah’s sons. Shem’s descendants were the Israelites or Jews. The word was first used in the 1800’s and instead of anti-Shemites it came out as anti-Semite. You would think because of 20th century events like the Holocaust, this would be a “never again.” You know it hasn’t gone away and we even have members of the US Congress speaking out against those that are Jews.
When the Apostle Paul, and a Jew, wrote to the Romans it might have seemed that the grace of God once for the Jews, was now only available for the Gentiles. It was tempting to think the Jews were no longer God’s favored people. Paul, a Pharisaical Jew, was called to be an apostle to the Gentiles, but he knew the message was for all people. He states . . .
“NONE ARE CAST ASIDE”
Israel had been disobedient in the past, but God’s plan for them remained unchanged. Here is a brief history. Chosen by God, the Messiah would come from Israel and bless all the nations of the world. Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob longed to see Christ’s day. They would be slaves of Egypt for years but then be led by Moses to the Promised Land. Along the way they received God’s Law and covenants.
But they didn’t obey. They formed an idol for themselves. They grumbled against Moses. Once in the promised land they desired a king rather than God. Eventually, many of them turned to false gods.
God had the prophets warn them. God had them defeated and parts of the nation destroyed. They were in exile. They did return home, but they looked less and less like God’s people. Had God given up on His people? Did God’s patience run out? No! There was always a remnant of Jews who believed in God and the promise of a Messiah.
Paul is certain God has not rejected Israel. Paul is a living example of God’s mercy. He was converted. He had to suffer. Paul would learn God’s plan for salvation and that it included Jews like himself and Gentiles. None are cast aside.
God’s grace is for all people. In our text, Paul is telling the Gentiles to not make the same mistake as Israel. The Jews had looked down on the Gentiles and now the Gentiles should not look on the Jews as rejected.
The great theme of this letter to the Romans, righteousness by faith, is behind our text. Paul wants to preclude works. The Jews cannot obtain righteousness by keeping the law and the Gentiles need to see that their salvation comes by the mercy God has shown to them.
Although Paul was sent to the Gentiles, he always went first to his fellow Jews. When they rejected him, his going to the Gentiles grew the Church!
None are cast aside. The salvation of all people is in the cross of Jesus. Jesus was handed over to the wicked men to be crucified. On the cross, he became the payment for sin. Through Christ, the Father was reconciling the world to himself.
And He arose! Appeared to the apostles and hundreds of people. He then ascended to the Father. Whoever believes in him has life in his name. God’s gifts and calling are irrevocable. God works out his plan one way or another to fulfill his desire to show mercy to all.
This month our Portals of Prayer devotions are written by Mr. Steve Cohen. Steve is a LCMS Lutheran and a Jew. Over the years I have heard him speak and I know of no one who shares his faith more. He will stand on the street corners of our biggest cities and share the Gospel. Like Paul, Steve is a Jew who was converted. I always tell you the best Lutherans are those who didn’t grow up in the church. They appreciate and cherish it more. The same is true of Christianity. The biggest evangelizers are people like Steve Cohen. They were once lost but now found. They know what their fate could have been, and it scared the hell out of them. They love the Gospel and want everyone to know that none are cast aside.
That is our mission. To pray and proclaim Christ to all people. We aren’t anti-anybody. We want all to believe and be saved.
Amen.