The Israelites were the chosen people of God. Not because they were better than other tribes or races, but it was out of the grace of God.

God first gave this grace to the people of Israel. But because of the hardness of their heart they did not submit to God, and as a result, God’s grace came upon those who were not initially chosen by God– the Gentiles. 

Yet, God did not simply throw aside the Israelites for the Gentiles. By His wisdom, the failure of the Israelites gave rise to salvation to the Gentiles, thereby fulfilling God’s desire that all of mankind may be saved (1 Timothy 2:4).

When we recall the eternal covenant regarding the land of Canaan (Genesis 17:8), and God's promise through Moses and the prophets to restore Israel (Deuteronomy 30:1–8; Leviticus 26:44), we are reminded that God never takes back the blessings He has once promised (Romans 11:29).

Paul is the apostle to the Gentiles. He knows that once the fullness of the Gentiles has come in, the Israelites will be saved (Rom 11:25-26). 

Thus, Paul reminds the believers to remain in the grace of God lest they be rejected by God (Romans 11:19-24).

How do we keep ourselves in the grace of God?

Do Not Be Haughty but Fear

Well said. Because of unbelief they were broken off, and you stand by faith. Do not be haughty, but fear. (Romans 11:20)

We should not have the misconception that just because we have received the salvation grace, our names will be permanently in the Book of Life.

To whoever is disobedient and does not believe, God will cut them off (Romans 11:22).

Therefore, we must have a heart to pursue spiritual growth. Spending time in prayer, reading the bible, attending services, and getting involved in church work, so that we can receive spiritual growth from the root– that is Jesus (Romans 11:18).

Submit to God

For as you were once disobedient to God, yet have now obtained mercy through their disobedience, even so these also have now been disobedient, that through the mercy shown you they also may obtain mercy. (Romans 11:30-31)

Unlike the Israelites who were disobedient, we must be submissive to God, no matter what kind of path He may lead us to walk. 

Submitting involves believing that God’s will for us is the most beautiful and suitable will for us, rather than living our lives according to our own plans and desires.

At times, we pray for long periods of time, asking God to show us His will. But even after long prayers, we cannot feel God’s response. When we meet with such situations, we should not feel discouraged but persist in our prayer, patiently awaiting God’s timing, all while continuing to keep God’s commandments and fulfill our responsibilities for whatever we need to do.

Sometimes, this type of waiting is a trial of our faith. But if we can pass the test, then the rewards we believe will be great.

Conclusion

Knowing God and being chosen by God is the most beautiful blessing in our whole lives. No matter what the circumstances presently we are facing, whether smooth or difficult, let us continue to seize hold of God’s promises, praying for God to preserve us in His grace.