Romans 11:11: So, I Ask, Did They Stumble In Order That They Might Fall?

Romans 11:11
[11] So I ask, did they stumble in order that they might fall? By no means! Rather, through their trespass salvation has come to the Gentiles, so as to make Israel jealous. (ESV)

We live in a world where you have to child proof everything. I can remember the day that I purchased a wood stove in my home. I had small children at the time. The concern that some people had was that my child might get burned. It is a legitimate concern. I am pretty sure my in-laws wanted me to put a fifteen foot barricade in front of the stuff lest any of the precious ones get burned.

I want to be clear. I did not want my children to get burned on the hot wood stove. However, I remember a different time where my father would have simply told me that the stove was hot and to be careful around it. If I got burned it would have been the result of my carelessness and a burn on my hand would be a healthy reminder to be more careful.

Let's use this illustration in reference to the people of Israel. Their own rejection of the Gospel caused them hurt. Did God ultimately want his people to be hurt? No, of course not. They stumbled so that they would learn how to properly walk in righteousness. God did not stand above them with a steel toed boot, kicking them while they were down. He wanted their stumbling to lead to walking.

A good dose of hurt can lead to common sense. The sin of the Israelites and their disbelief was something that God used to get their attention. He allowed the Gentiles' acceptance of salvation to get the Jews' attention. This way they could see that they were intentionally being burned by their own disobedience. It was unnecessary. They could avoid sin, repent, and be healed.

What fiery sin are you falling into? Is God allowing you to feel some discomfort in order to get your attention? Do not be a fool. Humble yourself under his mighty hand. He will allow you to stumble only because he wants to help you to walk.