Romans 10
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Romans 10:14-15, How, then, can they call on the one they have not believed in? And how can they believe in the one of whom they have not heard? And how can they hear without someone preaching to them? And how can anyone preach unless they are sent? As it is written: “How beautiful are the feet of those who bring good news!”
Yesterday, we talked about salvation for the Jews. Throughout chapter 10, Paul continues this discussion, even emphasizing his own anguish that the Jews reject the message of salvation through faith in Jesus Christ. Paul makes several important points: salvation is available to all, the gospel is universal and for all people, evangelism is essential, and Israel has been unresponsive to the Good News of the gospel. The chapter is filled with Old Testament Scripture references emphasizing how Israel had the opportunity to hear the Gospel but continually rejected it. It is, of course, ultimately up to God whether or not he chooses to show mercy to them.
I mentioned yesterday that I struggle with this. I’ve finally found peace with these three statements, which I hold together tightly:
1. We need to actively and intentionally share the Gospel message with the Jews.
2. We serve a God who is totally holy but also just, merciful, and loving.
3. God’s not done with any of us yet and his prevenient grace is always at work.
Now I want to switch gears for just a moment. In today’s focus verses, Paul is speaking to the necessity of evangelism. For him, it was critical that the Jews knew about Jesus Christ. But if we read Acts and Paul’s other letters, we can see that Paul preached the Gospel to the Jews and the Gentiles with equal fervor. But the miracle of Scripture is that it transcends time, culture, and place. These Scripture verses are just as applicable to us today! There are many people around us, in our neighborhoods, workplaces, and schools, that need to know about the hope that comes from a living relationship with Jesus Christ. People are struggling and hurting. They need to know that there is a different way of doing life.
What does that have to do with you and me? Well, it means we need to be sharing our faith with others. It means building relationships with people outside the church, consistently praying for them, and asking God for openings to share about Jesus. I promise you, if you pray for an opening, God will provide it.
Let’s pray…Lord, Put a burden in my heart for those people who don’t yet know you. Give me the desire and motivation to share my faith with those people you put in my path. Provide openings, Lord, that naturally lend themselves to telling people about Jesus. Help me trust you that you will give me the right words at the right time. In Jesus’ Name, Amen.