We have been working on an outline of Romans chapter 11 for a while and now come to the conclusion of what Paul was teaching.  The final 4 verses of the chapter, however, take on a very different format.  To this point Paul has been very analytical, didactic and engaging.  As I’ve mentioned a number of times what he has to say is both simple to follow and confusing and challenging to understand.  I’ve used the word conundrum to describe my experience. 

After studying this chapter for a while I was on a 4 hour flight to San Diego.  If you’ve ever been on a flight like this in the economy class you know how crowded it can be.  I fortunately had an isle seat.  But with the extra room I also became aware of the extra traffic in the isle.  There was a spy thriller movie on the screed right in front of me.  Though I didn’t have the head set on the action would distract me from my study from time to time. 

All of a sudden, amidst all the distractions, I was captivated with these four verses, Romans 11:33-36.  It was as though the conundrum of the chapter broke into a cacophony of praise.  I believe that’s what happened to Paul as he was writing this chapter. 

As I contemplated the mystery of God’s master plan all of a sudden my reasoning was superseded by a humble, yet awe filled silent praise to God.  Tears filled my eyes as I tried to read Paul’s words.  The distractions around me faded as I experienced genuine worship of God.  That’s not what I expected in the midst of my study.  It just came over me in a powerful way.  It was one of the richest times of worship I’ve had in some time.

When was the last time you had a spontaneous burst of praise well up in your mind and heart toward God?  Why not stop right now, be still before God and reflect on His greatness and grace.