What then? What the people of Israel sought so earnestly they did not obtain. The elect among them did, but the others were hardened, as it is written: “God gave them a spirit of stupor, eyes that could not see and ears that could not hear, to this very day.” And David says: “May their table become a snare and a trap, a stumbling block and a retribution for them. May their eyes be darkened so they cannot see, and their backs be bent forever.”

Does it seem harsh to pray for God’s justice over people? Shouldn’t we only be thinking about grace? No! We must realize that while saving grace is there, it is only given to those who receive it in humility and accept Jesus Christ as their Lord and Savior. God’s justice never left; it was always there right next to God’s grace. This is important because as God’s people we are held to a high Justice Standard. Actions do have consequences and not just in our systems of law on earth, but in God’s heavenly kingdom as well, which is full of law and order. And God will harden the hearts of unbelievers as they reject him, in order to show others around the expansiveness of his power and might.

It is important for us to express hatred towards sin and call on God to judge evil. We see many these days who say they follow Jesus, but will not call out evil in their midst. This is a direct reflection of the shallowness of their faith. We must fight against evil and at the same time do good.

Lord, I pray that those Jews and all others who have fallen away from the truth of your Word will return to it. That they will experience and recognize the evil of rejecting your Son and living for oneself. That they will learn that you are good, and righteous, and gracious, and holy. And mostly, that they will embrace your son, Jesus Christ.