Scripture: Romans 15:8-13 (ESV) "For I tell you that Christ became a servant to the circumcised to show God's truthfulness, in order to confirm the promises given to the patriarchs, and in order that the Gentiles might glorify God for his mercy. As it is written, 'Therefore I will praise you among the Gentiles, and sing to your name.' And again it says, 'Rejoice, O Gentiles, with his people.' And again, 'Praise the Lord, all you Gentiles, and let all the peoples extol him.' And again Isaiah says, 'The root of Jesse will come, even he who arises to rule the Gentiles; in him will the Gentiles hope.' May the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace in believing, so that by the power of the Holy Spirit you may abound in hope."
Devotion:
Consider the moments in history where barriers were torn down, and new, inclusive communities were born. Think of the Berlin Wall coming down or the Civil Rights Movement in the United States. I was alive during a similar moment in South Africa’s history - the end to apartheid. I was there when everyone in South Africa was given a vote. Although I must confess that I mostly remember how boring it was was as a kid to wait for my parents to finish voting! I am not sure exactly how long they queued, but it certainly felt like 6 hours at least…
When you consider these moments in history, the thing that they all have in common is that they are moments where the formerly divided people come together into a new united community. That is what Paul writes about in our verses today. People from outside of Israel can now be in God’s family because of Jesus.
Now Paul reminds us here about the process that took place. He tells us that Jesus came as a servant, but he came first to the Jews. This happened to fulfill the promises made to Israel. But Jesus’ mission didn't stop there, once he completed his mission to the Jews, the Gentiles too are included in God’s family. Jesus, Paul writes, came so that the Gentiles (which includes most of us) can also come to glorify God for His mercy. Paul makes the point that this has been God’s plan all along. He had always intended to redeem the world and Paul quotes several Old Testament passages that pointed to the day when all nations would come together under the reign of Christ.
Now that Jesus had come, salvation is open to the Gentiles too.
But this leaves us with an interesting challenge, because actually, if we are honest, we too often live as if God’s promises of salvation are open only to those who look like us, drive the same sorts of cars as us and lives in the neighbourhoods we live in. We live as if God’s promises are limited, meant only for people like us. But this passage confronts this idea head on. The good news of Jesus is for everyone.
Salvation is open to everyone who would come to confess with their mouth and believe in their heart that Jesus is Lord. No matter what colour we are, what language we speak or how much we have in the bank, if we share a belief in Jesus, we are adopted family. We share a common hope.
Is this how you actually live?
Prayer:
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