Take Heed

Have you ever stopped in the middle of the chapter because you knew you needed to ponder the verses for a while?

I was reading Romans for my devotions, and I'd been in chapter 11 for a while. Reading and stopping. Then coming back the next day to reread. Pondering Paul's words on how God had 'broken off' Isreal and why.

And then Paul warned,

...because of unbelief they were broken off, and thou standest by faith. Be not highminded, but fear: For if God spared not the natural branches, take heed lest he also spare not thee. Romans 11:20-21 KJV

Isreal was punished for her unbelief, and while we may have faith, that doesn't make us better than them. Nay, Paul tells us to fear. Because if God would punish His chosen people, who are you? Nobody.

Do not boast against Isreal. Learn from their mistakes and pray as the Apostle Paul did for their salvation.

Let not this verse be said of us, 'I bear them record that they have a zeal of God, but not according to knowledge.' Romans 10:2

Let us have a zeal, keep it burning bright, tend it carefully, but match it with knowledge and humility.

Really get to know God. Memorize the Bible. Meditate on it day and night like the Psalmist says. Learn to pray throughout the day in small snatches as well as in long stretches. And honour God's people.

Lest we become the Israelites.

The first verses of chapter 12 are the ingredients, the steps God says will keep you from their fate.

I beseech you therefore, brethren, by the mercies of God, that ye present your bodies a living sacrifice, holy, acceptable unto God, which is your reasonable service. And be not conformed to this world: but be ye transformed by the renewing of your mind, that ye may prove what is that good, and acceptable, and perfect, will of God. Romans 12:1-2 KJV