Romans 10:21, May God be Merciful to Israel!

Romans 10:21 But to Israel he saith, All day long I have stretched forth my hands unto a disobedient and gainsaying people.

While the Gentiles nations come to acknowledge Israel’s Messiah, Jesus Christ, as Lord and Saviour, Israel remains rebellious and unbelieving. The word “gainsaying” means “contradicting or opposing”. While the Gentile nations put away their idols and have faith in Jesus Christ, Israel remains indifferent and unmoved.

The prophet Isaiah pictured the scene of the father of the prodigal son daily at the gates awaiting his son’s return.

Isaiah 65:2-3 I have spread out my hands all the day unto a rebellious people, which walketh in a way that was not good, after their own thoughts; 3 A people that provoketh me to anger continually to my face…

Indeed, God has been very patient and continues to allow time that the people of Israel may come to their senses and come to saving faith. Nicodemus, a ruler of the Jews, came to Jesus by night to seek the way to God (John 3). He was gloriously saved. There are Jews who were saved amidst a general rebellion. It is a consolation to not give up but persevere in praying and reaching out for the conversion of the Jews. May God be merciful to Israel! Amen.