The Stumbling of Unbelief and Hope For Believers

Romans 9:33 CSB

As it is written, Look, I am putting a stone in Zion to stumble over and a rock to trip over, and the one who believes on him will not be put to shame.

At the end of Chapter 9 we see Paul quote two passages from Isaiah 8:14 and Isaiah 28:16.

In Isaiah 8 we see that the people of Judah have rejected God and are about to go into captivity (Isaiah 8:6-8). At this point The northern part (Israel) is divided from Judah. It is interesting to note some of the parallels between this time and Romans 9. Israel has rejected Christ just as Isreal and Judah had rejected God at the during of the period of kings. The temple in Jerusalem was destroyed in 587 BC and the rebuilt temple in Jerusalem was destroyed in 70 AD.

This is a Prophetic word that contrasts believing Jews from unbelieving Jews. The unbelieving Jews are caught up in fear and conspiracy theories (Isaiah 8:12). Believing Jews are not to fear what unbelieving Jews fear. Rather they are to hold God in awe (Isaiah 8:13). For the believing Jews God is a sanctuary, but for the unbelieving Jews (Israel and Judah) God is a “stumbling stone,” “snare,” and “trap” (Isaiah 8:14-15).

This is very important on two levels. First it helps us to understand exactly what Paul is talking about in Romans 9. The “stumbling stone” quote is clearly referencing unbelieving Jews. If we take that in the context of what Paul has already said then it seems pretty clear that Paul was addressing the issue of unbelieving Jews of his day (Romans 9:2-5).

The second important truth is related to our current cultural moment. We live in a time of great anxiety. We see many parallels with the end of the time of the kings of Israel and Judah. Everyone is doing their own thing, unrighteousness seems to be the norm. The leaders vacillate between following God and following their own sinful and selfish ends. Nearly all of the time leaders follow unrighteousness. People are given to conspiracy and fear. People try to make plans for how things ought to be and will be which do not turn out.

What is God’s admonition to the believing Jews of Isaiah’s time and to believers our our time? Recognize God’s judgment is coming and is unavoidable (Isaiah 8:6-9) (Though it might be delayed if we repent 1 Kings 21:27-29). Don’t become caught up in conspiracy (Isaiah 8:12). Fear God and not the world (Isaiah 8:13). Enter into the sanctuary of God (Isaiah 8:14). Tie yourself to the Word of God, and teach the word of God to fellow believers (Isaiah 8:16). Wait upon the Lord while it would appear that He is hiding himself (Isaiah 8:17). Wait upon the Lord!

We have to be the light of hope to a world that is tearing itself apart. We cannot be part of the the ungodly fear, conspiracy, and terror that characterizes our current times. We must fear God not the world. We need to become so familiar with the Bible that it is tied to our thoughts and conscience daily. We must wait and rest upon the security we find in Christ.

Dear Heavenly Father. We have sinned against You and Your Holy Word. We have trusted in men when we ought to have trusted in You. We have been given to fear and faithlessness. We have polluted our minds with all manner of filth and vile things. We have neglected your word. We have hated those we ought to have loved. We have created division where we ought to have been peacemakers. We bite and devour each other to pursue self-righteous ends. Oh God You are Justified to Judge us with the full weight of Your wrath. We are dust. Forgive us Oh Lord. We cannot endure the full weight of your fury. We will be swept up and destroyed by the brightness of Your Glory. We appeal Lord to Your Grace. We call upon Your Mercy. We confess to You that we have polluted our garments. Help us Lord by the power of Your Holy Spirit to turn back to right living. Help us Lord in our fear and lack of faith to be restored in the confidence of our Lord. Bring unity and not division to your people. Help us to live out the building of each other up in Love. Oh God hide us in the Sanctuary of Your presence. In this moment Lord, the moment that you have called us to, empower us to live as your people even as the world seems to tear itself down around us. Be our hope, be our joy, be our love.

In Jesus Name

AMEN