I came across some “able” words in one of my readings this morning. Not “able” as in having sufficient power, skill, or resources to do something. But “able” as in the four letters a-b-l-e found at the end of three words in the ESV version of the latter portion of Romans 11 . . .”able” as in insufficient power, skill, or resources to grasp the glory and greatness of my God. “Able” words that leave me without words . . . “able” words that leave me unable to adequately express the awe enveloping my heart.

IRREVOCABLE . . . UNSEARCHABLE . . . INSCRUTABLE . . . . oh, praise God . . . unbelievable!

As Paul wraps up this part of his letter (ch. 9-11) which reveals his heart, and God’s plans, for his kinsmen, Israel, he says that the blood descendants of Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob are living under a “partial hardening”. In large, they have missed the Messiah, though even now, as in the days of Elijah, there is a remnant (11:1-6) . . . God not having rejected his people, but allowing them this “partial hardening until the fullness of the Gentiles has come in” (11:25). As regards the gospel they are misaligned . . . “But,” says Paul, “as regards election, they are beloved for the sake of their forefathers. For the gifts and the calling of God are irrevocable” (11:28-29).

Irrevocable . . . without regret . . . without repentance . . . a promise that will be kept. What God has planned, He will deliver . . . what God has started, He will finish. There may be seasons and circumstance which indicate otherwise, but let it be known, people of God, that His gifts and calling are irrevocable! Isn’t that what I’m counting on . . . that His call and His grace are without retracting. If it was dependent upon me to conform myself into the image of His Son then I would be, of all men, in a most hopeless situation. But it’s His call on my life . . . it’s His unmerited favor that has declared me righteous through faith in the work of the cross and begun a work of forming within me the divine nature.

Do I fully understand exactly how it works . . . not so much . . . do I fully believe the dynamic is in play in my life . . . absolutely! How come . . . cause His gifts and calling are irrevocable.

But enough about me . . . for now . . . Paul here is talking about the yet-to-be-finished work with Israel. I read of some that this morning in my Deuteronomy reading. Moses recounting God’s deliverance of Israel from Egypt, though they grumbled (Deut. 9:7) . . . reminding them of their failure at Mt. Sinai (Deut. 9:10-21) . . . encouraging them to circumcise their hearts and cut away their stubbornness (Deut. 10:!4) . . . commanding them to obey and be blessed. And it amazes me that thousands of years later, Paul would be writing to these Romans of God’s abiding care over this same people. And I’m in awe that even today, His hand is upon this “hardened Israel” awaiting the time when He will open their eyes to see the Messiah and “The Deliverer will come from Zion, He will banish ungodliness from Jacob; and this will be my covenant with them when I take away their sins.” (Romans 11:26-27 ESV). The calling and grace put in play so long ago are still in play today . . . cue the other “able” words . . .

Oh, the depth of the riches and wisdom and knowledge of God! How unsearchable are His judgments and how inscrutable His ways! (Romans 11:33 ESV)

Beyond fully discovering . . . beyond fully comprehending . . . that’s my God . . . that’s the nature of His ways . . . so much bigger than my little mind . . . so beyond my feeble imagination. And though I may not be able to grasp the full implications of these “able” words . . . He is able . . . with a grace irrevocable . . . judgments unsearchable . . . and, ways inscrutable.

The awe that evokes within me? . . . Indescribable!