Romans 9:1-18
Ch. 1-8 remind us of the story of the prodigal son: his sin had abounded, but grace super-abounded. Clothed in the robe of righteousness, he did not become a hired servant in his father’s house, but from then on he enjoyed a full and free relationship (Luke 15:11-32). From ch. 9 to ch. 11 the subject is that typified by the elder son, in other words, the Jewish people with their natural privileges and also their jealousy. As the father in the parable, the apostle desires that Israel should understand what sovereign grace is. It is not connected with hereditary advantage. All the descendants of Abraham were not the children of promise. Esau, for example, this profane man, although the twin brother of Jacob, was unable to inherit the blessing. And God has pronounced this terrible word concerning him, "Esau have I hated". Can we doubt but that His love had first exhausted all its resources? It is enough to think of the tears of the Lord Jesus over guilty Jerusalem (Luke 19:41), a sorrow which is echoed in a poignant way by the apostle in our vv. 2, 3. Let us say again: it is not privilege of birth which ensures anyone salvation by grace. Children of Christian parents, this is addressed to you most solemnly.