Justice Matters – Romans 11:7-10
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…
God’s Great Grace & The Grace Gifters – Romans 11:6
And if by grace, then it cannot be based on works; if it were, grace would no longer be grace.Parallel hymn:Verse 1: Marvelous grace of our loving Lord, Grace that exceeds our sin and our guilt! Yonder on Calvary’s mount outpoured — There where the blood of the lamb was spilt.Chorus: Grace, grace, God’s grace, Grace that will pardon and cleanse within; Grace, grace, God’s grace, grace that is greater than all my sin.Last Verse: Marvelous, infinite,…
God’s “Bigger Than Us” Plans & His Remnant – Romans 11:1-5
I ask then: Did God reject his people? By no means! I am an Israelite myself, a descendant of Abraham, from the tribe of Benjamin. God did not reject his people, whom he foreknew. Don’t you know what Scripture says in the passage about Elijah—how he appealed to God against Israel: “Lord, they have killed your prophets and torn down your altars; I am the only one left, and they are trying to kill me”? And what…
The Vivid Color of our Faith – Romans 10:16-21
But not all the Israelites accepted the good news. For Isaiah says, “Lord, who has believed our message?” Consequently, faith comes from hearing the message, and the message is heard through the word about Christ. But I ask: Did they not hear? Of course they did: “Their voice has gone out into all the earth, their words to the ends of the world.” Again I ask: Did Israel not understand? First, Moses says, “I will make you…
Accepting the Call of a Good News Bearer – Romans 10:15
And how can anyone preach unless they are sent? As it is written: “How beautiful are the feet of those who bring good news!” –Parallel verses:Isaiah 52:7-10[God speaking]How beautiful on the mountains are the feet of those who bring good news, who proclaim peace, who bring good tidings, who proclaim salvation, who say to Zion, “Your God reigns!” Listen! Your watchmen lift up their voices; together they shout for joy. When the Lord returns to Zion, they…
Peace and Glory — I Can Have It All – Proverbs 14:30-32
A heart at peace gives life to the body, but envy rots the bones. Whoever oppresses the poor shows contempt for their Maker, but whoever is kind to the needy honors God. When calamity comes, the wicked are brought down, but even in death the righteous seek refuge in God. I love the Proverbs and sometimes when life disappoints or the passion for something fades, their simple truths are a quick and comforting source of confidence. Here…
Proclaiming the Truth to the Listeners – Romans 10:14b
And how can they believe in the one of whom they have not heard? And how can they hear without someone preaching to them?The condition of our ears is an important thing. When we have ears to hear others, we learn things. When our ears only listen to respond with a defense or out of comparison we stay in a proud and unlearned state in life. Hearing involves a desire to listen. Active listening includes questions and…
Calling on a Familiar God – Romans 10:14a
How, then, can they call on the one they have not believed in? –Parallel verses:Joel 2:28-32And afterward, I will pour out my Spirit on all people. Your sons and daughters will prophesy, your old men will dream dreams, your young men will see visions. Even on my servants, both men and women, I will pour out my Spirit in those days. I will show wonders in the heavens and on the earth, blood and fire and billows…
What Makes Us Different or the Same? – Romans 10:11-13
As Scripture says, “Anyone who believes in him will never be put to shame.” For there is no difference between Jew and Gentile—the same Lord is Lord of all and richly blesses all who call on him, for, “Everyone who calls on the name of the Lord will be saved.” We see a lot of discussion in life and in the news outlets about what makes us different. Discussions about race, color, upbringing, where we are from,…