Imagine a child disinterested in the gift of a toy. The parent says, “Well, if you don’t want it, I’ll give it to the child down the street who will love to have it.” Sometimes this causes a fresh interest in the toy. Verse 11 is Paul’s way of saying something similar with respect to the Jews; he hopes that a holy jealousy might quicken desires in them to embrace the Good News.

If only this chapter were carefully meditated upon, the ages-long, “anti” in semitism might have been changed to “pro.” Instead, the child down the street who receives the unwanted gift comes back to bully and taunt the child who originally received it.

Do not boast about the gifts God has given you. Rather humbly and fully receive them. Allow your expressions of wonder and praise for God to increase until your whole being is living the final verse of the reading.

Romans 11

Find out all about Bible Breaths Learn More…
Example: Root holy; branches holy v. 16

Thursdays are dedicated to the letters of Paul, other letters,
the Book of Acts, and the Book of Revelation.
In the season of Pentecost this year we read Paul’s Letter to the Romans.

For all the Firestarters in the original version, I recommend the ebook.  You will have the entire program of well over a thousand of these Firestarters with you on your phone or tablet. Check the menu options at the site for more information.