“But I ask, have they not heard? Indeed they have heard, for ‘the voice has gone out to all the earth, and their words to the end of the world. But I ask, did Israel not understand? First Moses says, ‘I will make you jealous of those who are not a nation; with a foolish nation I will make you angry.’ Then Isaiah says, ‘I have been found by those who did not seek me; I have shown myself to those who did not ask for me.’ But of Israel he says, ‘All day long I have held out my hand to a disobedient and contrary people.” Romans 10:18-21
No one can plead ignorance before God. He sent His message of salvation to Israel, and they rejected it, choosing to hold to their traditions and the law. They wanted God but they wanted him on their terms. So God sent His message of salvation to the Gentiles: to people who practiced pagan ways and thought themselves wise by their intellect. He sent His Gospel message to the Samaritans who were despised by those who worshiped in Jerusalem and considered themselves to be the real Jews.
God will not pardon those who reject Him or those who want Him their way - be they Jew or Gentile. He sent His Son so the world might be saved through Him. He prepared His way through the Prophets, the Law, the Gospel, and the evangelists. But, as the saying goes, “There are none so blind as those who will not see.1
God is merciful, however. Like a loving father, he waits for His children to return home. He desires to show mercy and not wrath. If a person chooses not to partake in His mercy by continued unrepentant sinning and wanton disbelief it is their choice and will be on their head. But to those who relent and seek His face, God will restore them through the precious blood of Christ’s sacrifice. As Christ opened His arms upon the Cross, so too are God’s arms open to all who will seek him.
Prayer: Heavenly Father, forgive us our stubbornness, selfishness, and our ignorance. Lord Holy Spirit, nurture our faith so that it may blossom and bear the fruit of repentance. Lord Jesus Christ, by your Cross and passion, wash us clean and make us whole. Amen.
“Who is so deafe, or so blynde, as is hee, that wilfully will nother heare nor see.” John Heywood 1546