THE STORY OF JESUS: Romans 9-10
“My heart’s desire for the Israelites is that they may be saved.” (Romans 10:1)
Paul is thinking out loud about why most Jews are not accepting Jesus.
In ch.9 he connects their response to God’s sovereign mercy.
God in His mercy decides who will be saved, and who not.
In ch.10 he connects their response to their stubborn refusal to believe.
The Jews refuse to believe God’s message of grace through Jesus.
So which is it… is it because of God’s decision, or their unbelief?
My sense is that Paul is walking a tight rope between the two.
He is affirming both at the same time; God’s role and ours.
Instead of figuring out how this works, we should share Paul’s passion.
He is willing to be cursed and cut off, to save his people (Romans 9:3,10:1).
As a Jesus follower, my job isn’t to figure out how God’s mercy works.
He sends us to bless and serve others, to draw them with love.
Do I share their passion for those who need to know God’s mercy?
I admit my passion is weak; but I even WANT it to be stronger?
What do you sense the Lord saying to you?
PRAYER
Lord, I don’t understand why some believe, and some don’t. But that is not my job. Ignite my heart with Paul’s passion for those that don’t know Jesus.
This is the message:
“The word is near you; it is in your mouth and in your heart,”[q] that is, the message concerning faith that we proclaim: 9 If you declare with your mouth, “Jesus is Lord,” and believe in your heart that God raised him from the dead, you will be saved. 10 For it is with your heart that you believe and are justified, and it is with your mouth that you profess your faith and are saved. . . ..“Everyone who calls on the name of the Lord will be saved.”[s]
Help me Lord to bring this message to all I meet on my pilgrim’s progress – my journey serving You.
He is Lord, He is Lord
He has risen from the dead
And He is Lord
Every knee shall bow
Every tongue confess
That Jesus Christ is Lord
You are Lord, You are Lord
You have risen from the dead
And You are Lord
Every knee shall bow
Every tongue confess
That Jesus Christ is Lord