8/16/17
Many churches throughout the world use a Bible reading schedule called a "lectionary." It's just a fancy word meaning "selected readings." Posts like this reflect on the readings for an upcoming Sunday or other Church holiday, as found in the three-year lectionary.
This week’s Epistle, selections from Romans 11, points out that God’s merciful calling to the people of Israel is still valid. He has called all people everywhere to come to him in faith and trust. But he has especially made this calling clear to Israel. They are the ones who received his covenant.
Writing to Roman Christians, in verses 28-32, Paul observes that all humans are consigned to unrighteousness. They have all been disobedient. All deserve the condemnation of God. This applies to the Roman Christians as well as to the Jews they know. However, just as God has made it possible for the Gentiles to believe Jesus, he has also made it possible for the Jews to believe and be rescued.
There’s no room in this passage for anyone to feel superior to anyone else. It isn’t about superiority. It’s about being redeemed by Jesus’ sacrifice on our behalf. This doesn’t come from our own goodness or ability. It is only through Jesus’ love for his people. Jew and Gentile are just the same. This is the good news of God’s love. He makes no difference among the people he calls. All are invited.
If this brief meditation was helpful to you, I hope you will check out the other materials on our website at www.WittenbergCoMo.com and consider supporting us.
Many churches throughout the world use a Bible reading schedule called a "lectionary." It's just a fancy word meaning "selected readings." Posts like this reflect on the readings for an upcoming Sunday or other Church holiday, as found in the three-year lectionary.
This week’s Epistle, selections from Romans 11, points out that God’s merciful calling to the people of Israel is still valid. He has called all people everywhere to come to him in faith and trust. But he has especially made this calling clear to Israel. They are the ones who received his covenant.
Writing to Roman Christians, in verses 28-32, Paul observes that all humans are consigned to unrighteousness. They have all been disobedient. All deserve the condemnation of God. This applies to the Roman Christians as well as to the Jews they know. However, just as God has made it possible for the Gentiles to believe Jesus, he has also made it possible for the Jews to believe and be rescued.
There’s no room in this passage for anyone to feel superior to anyone else. It isn’t about superiority. It’s about being redeemed by Jesus’ sacrifice on our behalf. This doesn’t come from our own goodness or ability. It is only through Jesus’ love for his people. Jew and Gentile are just the same. This is the good news of God’s love. He makes no difference among the people he calls. All are invited.
If this brief meditation was helpful to you, I hope you will check out the other materials on our website at www.WittenbergCoMo.com and consider supporting us.
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