Romans 10:18-21
Scripture: Romans 10:18-21 (ESV)
“But I ask, have they not heard? Indeed they have, for ‘Their voice has gone out to all the earth, and their words to the ends of the world.’ But I ask, did Israel not understand? First Moses says, ‘I will make you jealous of those who are not a nation; with a foolish nation I will make you angry.’ Then Isaiah is so bold as to say, ‘I was found by those who did not seek me; I have shown myself to those who did not ask for me.’ But of Israel he says, ‘All day long I have held out my hands to a disobedient and contrary people.'”
Devotion:
As a pastor I often get asked the question: what happens to people who have never heard about God? How is it fair that God judges them for not believing in him? Paul here addresses this question directly. Actually, God has revealed himself to everyone, everywhere.
He returns to his argument from Romans 1:19-22
19 For what can be known about God is plain to them, because God has shown it to them. 20 For his invisible attributes, namely, his eternal power and divine nature, have been clearly perceived, ever since the creation of the world, in the things that have been made. So they are without excuse. 21 For although they knew God, they did not honor him as God or give thanks to him, but they became futile in their thinking, and their foolish hearts were darkened. 22 Claiming to be wise, they became fools, 23 and exchanged the glory of the immortal God for images resembling mortal man and birds and animals and creeping things.
Even though God has revealed himself to everyone everywhere, not everyone has welcomed or understood his revelation. This is sadly especially true of his own people, Israel.
Imagine a parent with open arms, waiting for their wayward child to come home. The lights are on, the door is unlocked, and the table is set. The parent waits, not just for a moment, but all day long, every day. This image captures the essence of God’s posture towards Israel. But then since Israel continually rejected God, God now invites the nations to join him and to come live with him. This isn’t so much a Plan B since Israel rejected God. God had always intended to included the Gentiles in his salvation plan. Rather this is a final invitation from God to Israel. His inclusion of the Gentiles is designed to stir Israel to embrace the grace offered to us.
If you are a Christian today, and you do not have Jewish heritage, your faith is part of God’s invitation to Israel to once again bow to him as their God.
Have you ever considered that?
Prayer:
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Heavenly Father, Your patience astounds us. You wait for us with open arms, even when we turn our backs and ignore Your calls. Forgive us for our stubbornness and help us to respond to Your love with open hearts. May we also extend Your patience and love to those around us, reflecting Your heart to a waiting world. Amen.
Spiritual Challenge:
Reflect on the patience God has shown you throughout your life. Consider how you can mirror this patience and love in your relationships today, especially with those who may be distant or resistant to God. Let your actions and words be an open invitation to experience the love and grace you’ve received.