Let God Be Proven True

“Therefore what advantage does the Jew have, or what is the value of circumcision? Actually, there are many advantages. First of all, the Jews were entrusted with the oracles of God. What then? If some were unfaithful, their unfaithfulness will not nullify God’s faithfulness, will it? Absolutely not! Let God be proven true, and every human being shown up as a liar, just as it is written: “so that you will be justified in your words and will prevail when you are judged.” Romans 3:1-4 NET

The Jews have advantages; they were chosen by God through Abraham when the rest of the world was rejected. This happened “When the Most High gave to the nations their inheritance, when he divided mankind, he fixed the borders of the peoples according to the number of the sons of God. But the Lord’s portion is his people, Jacob his allotted heritage.” Deuteronomy 32:8-9 ESV

This passage carries a profound and illuminating message about God’s enduring relationship with His people. “Jacob” or “Israel” speaks of the Lord’s chosen people—His beloved ones selected from among the nations to reflect His love and greatness. They are destined to serve as His priests, bearing witness to His steadfast faithfulness. Even when they were in rebellion, God kept His promises to and through them.

In His wisdom, God also bestowed upon each nation its unique inheritance, urging them to pursue wisdom, which has led to the remarkable flourishing of cities and cultures around the globe. He appointed “sons of God,” numbering seventy in total, who were sent to shepherd these nations, each entrusted with a vital mission. Initially, these divine leaders embodied righteousness and faithfully adhered to God’s commandments, but unfortunately, the temptations of rulership were too great; they succumbed and became corrupt taskmasters and strayed from their guiding principles and rebelled against the God of Israel and taught the nations to do likewise.

Yet, amid this complexity, there is tremendous hope! The nations will hear the Jewish people’s powerful testimonies, showcasing the God of Israel’s incredible love and mercy. Through these narratives, they will be invited to experience His profound grace and find their path back to Him. This message urges us all to embrace unity and celebrate the magnificent beauty of God’s plan for every nation, inspiring a collective journey towards reconciliation and understanding.

I love how Paul makes a strong statement concerning the truth of God, for His truth stands forever, which means He remains constant and unchanging from generation to generation. Nothing has changed from God’s original choice of Jacob (Israel) as His son to this day; Israel is still His son and will always be His son. This promise was made to Abraham and Sarah, who were barren and had no children. God miraculously intervened and allowed Abraham and Sarah to have a child in their old age. Abraham was 100, and Sarah was 90, well beyond their childbearing years. God is faithful to His promises.

With this perspective in mind, Paul boldly declares, “Let God be proven true, and every human being a liar.” He compellingly emphasizes that Jesus is unchanging throughout time, showcasing God’s steadfast faithfulness to His past, present, and future promises. This message encourages us to trust deeply in His enduring love and commitment.

This is the advantage of the Jew and the value of circumcision. They are a light on a hill declaring the mercies of God, and the circumcision of their heart speaks of the unique tenderness and compassion that they embody. There is the literal Jew and the spiritual Jew. We are the spiritual Jew who was called out from the different seventy nations of Paul’s day, which were known at the time of his writing as the Heathen or Gentile nations. We are given the same example of a Jew (Paul) who speaks of the love of God in ways which we can connect and receive Jesus as our Messiah, just as the Jews were offered the same. The hearts of the Jews are temporarily darkened for a short time so the gentile nations can come fully into the light of God’s mercy. God is again redeeming all nations for His glory; this is the great commission.

This highlights the incredible fortitude of the Jewish people and the meaningful role of circumcision in their lives. They shine brightly as a testament to God’s mercies, and the circumcision of their hearts beautifully reflects the deep compassion and tenderness they possess. This extraordinary love can transform lives, as seen in the spiritual journey of various people called from the seventy nations during Paul’s time—those who were often misunderstood as mere outsiders are now welcomed in. Paul, being a Jew himself, embodies this spirit, powerfully sharing God’s love and inviting everyone to embrace Jesus as their Messiah, just as the Jewish community has been invited. While there is now a time when the hearts of some Jews are temporarily darkened, this allows for Gentile nations to truly step into the amazing light of God’s mercy. Through this divine orchestration, God again brings all nations together in His glory, uniting us under His loving grace. This is a beautiful testament to unity, hope, and the boundless possibilities that await us when we open our hearts to Jesus and to one another!

"You will prevail as you prepare to face judgment," keep this powerful truth in mind: God isn’t here to judge you as an individual; He is examining the specific actions that may be blocking the beautiful flow of His love in your life. Jesus’s judgment is not about punitive condemnation; it’s about freeing us from the burdens of sin that weigh on our hearts.

Imagine God’s judgment as a refining fire, passionately burning away everything that separates us from experiencing Him fully. When we sincerely desire to know Him, He presents us with challenges that strengthen our character and help us identify the obstacles that prevent the outflow of His love. This journey is not one of condemnation but of transformative growth, inviting us to deepen our connection with Him.

In 1 Corinthians 3:12-15 (NET), Paul beaufully states: “If anyone builds on the foundation with gold, silver, precious stones, wood, hay, or straw, each builder’s work will be revealed... The fire will reveal the quality of each person’s work.” Let this message resonate within you—God’s judgment is a gift, designed to foster our growth and lead us to salvation. Embrace this opportunity with an open heart, knowing each challenge is a stepping stone towards a more profound relationship with Him!

One worship song in particular, 'Refiner's Fire,' speaks of this transformative relationship with Jesus. I do not own the rights to this song, so I cannot post it here on my blog, but I can include a link that will take you to the song. https://youtu.be/QoDiIwd-rIQ?si=UWTjNy5gJqddK0FT

Stephen Barnett