Romans 11:33-36 Oh, the depth of the riches of the wisdom and knowledge of God! How unsearchable his judgments, and his paths beyond tracing out! “Who has known the mind of the Lord? Or who has been his counselor?”  “Who has ever given to God, that God should repay him?” For from him and through him and to him are all things. To him be the glory forever! Amen.

These verses at the end of Romans 11 are a doxology, declaring the glory of God. Paul just concluded a lengthy discussion of God’s plan for the salvation of all who believe, whether they be Jews or Gentiles, descendants of Abraham or outsiders. What God accomplished through Jesus was for EVERYONE. His death paid for the sins of everyone. His resurrection conquered death for all people. So it is fitting and natural for Paul to sing God’s praises here.

I’d like you to consider three of the terms used in this passage with me.

Riches: People are often impressed with the physical wealth of others. Some people have amassed great fortunes here on earth and seem to “have it all.” Good for them. We should rejoice at the good fortune of others. But even the wealth of Elon Musk and Jeff Bezos is nothing compared to the riches of the one who made everything. God has material wealth, to be sure, but He has the riches of Spiritual blessings as well, which He gives freely to those who trust in Jesus. And God has promised to use His riches for your benefit.

Philippians 4:19 “And my God will meet all your needs according to his glorious riches in Christ Jesus.”

Wisdom: God gave Solomon wisdom that no one else has ever had. But His own wisdom is vastly superior to that. His wisdom devised a plan for the salvation or mankind, even though we deserved destruction and eternal condemnation. He sent Jesus down here as one of us, then made the one who knew no sin to be sin for us, so that in Him we might become the righteousness of God. (2 Corinthians 5:19)

A lot of folks thing they are wise, but they don’t know God. Their wisdom is worthless in the grand scheme of things as far as eternity is concerned.

1 Corinthians 1:21 “For since in the wisdom of God the world through its wisdom did not know him, God was pleased through the foolishness of what was preached to save those who believe.”

Knowledge: There is nothing about you God does not know. He is literally a “know it all.” And in spite of that, He still loves you. He knows your sin, your failings, your evil thoughts and deeds. He knows it all.  But He also knows that He loves you and wants you to be with Him forever. He did what was needed to make that happen. That is what Jesus coming to earth was all about.

To him be the glory forever! Amen.