Romans 11:36

The book of Romans is a mine of infinite wealth.  It is so basic that a new believer can understand and praise God for the truths therein.  It is so deep that the greatest theological minds cannot comprehend its fullness.

Paul begins his inspired letter by showing that all have sinned (3:23).  Jew, Gentile, religious, agnostic, atheist, good, bad, tall, short, it doesn't matter - we're all the same in God's eyes; sinners who need a savior (3:10).  For without a savior the end of our lives is death; not just physical death, but eternal death apart from our Creator (6:23).  But there is hope.  God has sent His only Son Jesus Christ to free us from the curse of sin.  This marvelous grace is given freely to anyone who comes to Him in true faith, "But to him who does not work but believes on Him who justifies the ungodly, his faith is accounted for righteousness" (4:5).  Man loves to strive, to accomplish, to show his independence.  He desires to work for his own salvation.  But in God's eyes we are poor, naked, blind and have no hope apart from Him.  We cannot work our way to Him for salvation is His gift, only to be received by faith; not of our own doing.

So in chapters 4 and 5 Paul reveals the mystery and glory of the salvation found in Christ.  In chapter 6, we're saved from the penalty of sin, chapter 7 the power of sin, and chapter 8 the presence of sin.  In the next three chapters he reveals God's wonderful plan of the ages for not only the Jews, but us Gentiles.  His ways are high above our ways, His thoughts much deeper than ours.  When we see His plan throughout history it begins to make sense and we are in awe of Him.

It is this awestruck wonder that causes Paul to pause at the end of chapter 11 and proclaim:

Oh, the depth of the riches both of the wisdom and knowledge of God!  How unsearchable are His judgments and His ways past finding out!  “For who has known the mind of the LORD?  Or who has become His counselor?  Or who has first given to Him and it shall be repaid to him?"

This reminds of Job, when God answered him out of a whirlwind with questions too great for the mortal mind. We somehow think we can repay God by our works, our worship, our giving. This is ludicrous. The working we do, it is only by His power. Our worship, it is the song He gives us that we sing. The money, the gifts, the talents we give - they are only provided by His sovereign hand.

It is therefore with this thought that Paul closes the eleventh chapter.  For it is all from Him, it is all through Him, and ultimately it is all back to Him.  It is for His glory.  Jeremiah agrees - “Let not the wise man glory in his wisdom, let not the mighty man glory in his might, nor let the rich man glory in his riches; but let him who glories glory in this, that he understands and knows Me, that I am the LORD, exercising lovingkindness, judgment, and righteousness in the earth. for in these I delight,” says the LORD.

And so we come to our verse.  A single verse, a short verse, but one filled with such rich theology.  In it we see the purpose of everything.  It is therefore the goal of every believer, young or old, to cry from his utmost inner being:

For of Him and through Him and to Him are all things, to whom be glory forever. Amen.