Today’s scripture: Romans 9:30-10:4 (NRSV) (The Message) (KJV) What might God be saying to me?
My thoughts (Steve Adams):
Paul’s discourse has arrived at a dilemma. Despite applying his superior skills of spiritual insight and logic, it appears that the line of reasoning has landed at an unsatisfying proposition, namely, that some people — even from God’s chosen nation of Israel — will not be saved (9:27), but are destined for destruction (9:22). Thus his question, “What are we then to say?”
Israel strove for righteousness — they really tried — but, as a group, they failed because they strove to attain it through adhering to the law. The sheer number of laws would tend to get you preoccupied with works, wouldn’t it? Since it was impossible for anyone to fulfill, faith was actually the bottom line then, just as it is today. I figure God was looking for an attitude of gratitude, an attitude of love, and an attitude of humbleness. “Lord, I have failed! I can’t do this! But I still believe! Will you save me? I have faith you will, O Lord!”
But many weren’t able to reach that level. So, are they pots that God made simply for the purpose of destruction, in order to show a contrast with his “good” creations, as Paul posits? Will only the small group that had faith (in God during Old Testament times, and in Christ throughout New Testament times) be saved?
A question that cries to be answered is — why are those who strove for righteousness the best they knew how destined to perish? I mean, we’re not talking thieves or even murderers here (at least in most cases)! They strove — they gave it their best effort. Paul loved Israel. They were his kindred. Thus, his great heaviness and sorrow of heart (9:2), and ours as well, as we consider the potential plight of these people. And yet, I applaud Paul for tackling such difficult questions. It seems obvious he did it because he cared so much. As Kahlil Gibran writes so eloquently in “A Tear and a Smile,” he wouldn’t choose a life of only smiles, because tears are necessary as well. They purify and help provide deeper understanding.
I believe we can take heart.One thing seems certain to me, and that is that God loved the Old Testament era people every bit as much as God loves us today. Jesus talks about a future resurrection of the just and the unjust, a time when everyone will get another chance to formulate and express their faith. Our God is a just and loving God! Hallelujah!
Thought for the day: “If the gospel isn’t good news for everybody, then it isn’t good news for anybody” — Rob Bell.
We encourage you to include a time of prayer with this reading. If you need a place to get started, consider the suggestions on the How to Pray page.