April 8, Romans 10
What inspires a mentor to give so much of himself to his protégé? Why is a mother so devoted to her child’s development through the difficult passages of adolescence? Perhaps the tutors see something of themselves in their pupils. That may be why Paul was so intent on bringing his fellow Israelites to faith in Christ. He had been where they were.
As a Pharisee, Paul’s reputation for righteousness based on works of the law had been blameless. He knew about having zeal for God, but not according to knowledge, because he had lived it before coming to Christ. When he met Jesus, his quest for works righteousness ended. There was no sense of pride or merit as he obeyed Ananias’ instructions to get up and be baptized, calling on the name of the Lord.
Remember the rich young ruler who came with such enthusiasm, respect and moral excellence to Jesus? He wanted to know what he could do to inherit eternal life. When Jesus called him, the young man sorrowfully walked away from the one thing he lacked: a right standing with God through faith in Christ. Maybe you are reminded of someone you know—a committed, energetic, sincere adherent of some religion that promises righteousness through law-keeping. It’s possible that you’ve been there (are there?) yourself.
Paul longed to reach Israelites who were trying to establish their own righteousness. He contrasted living by doing with living by faith in Christ. Remember, he had tried it both ways, and learned one was impossible and the other was God’s intention all along.
Paul reversed the process to show how Christ-rejecters were without excuse. They could not call on one in whom they hadn’t believed. They couldn’t believe in one of whom they had not heard. They couldn’t hear unless someone preached to them, and they wouldn’t hear unless the preacher was sent. But his life and work was evidence that all those prerequisites had been met. He had been sent! He had preached! They had heard! But they would not believe or call on Christ for salvation.
Imagine Paul’s passion for this subject and these people. He was living out the prophecies and the process he described! The Lord had sent him, and by his own voice the Israelites had been called to believe in Christ. He witnessed the Jews’ jealousy that Moses prophesied as Gentiles came to God through Christ. He felt the pain as misguided people rejected God’s appeal.
The great apostle to the Gentiles brought thousands to Christ by his preaching during his lifetime and millions to faith by his writing through the ages. But his heart was heavy and his prayers were fervent for a stubborn group of kinfolks he could not persuade. If there are people who have resisted your efforts to share your faith, take heart and don’t stop praying about it. Know that the apostle Paul lived with the same situation, and would understand exactly how you feel.
From The Abiding Companion: A Friendly Guide for Your Journey Through the New Testament,
Copyright © 2010 by Michael B. McElroy. Used by permission. All rights reserved.
Today in God's Word—April 2024
East Tallassee Church of Christ
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