the messengers are sent

Good morning friends,
Paul emphasizes the breadth of God's love and calling: "Everyone who calls on the name of the Lord will be saved." From there he reminds us that God's grace gives us, those of us who know God's love, a responsibility to share that with others. People can't feel the assurance of God's love if no one shares it with them. Sharing God's love means first knowing it for ourselves and being able to put our experience into words.

Paul then returns to the irony that sometimes the people who seem furthest away are more receptive than those we expect to hear the message. He hints that God is using that dynamic for a purpose. God says, "I will make you jealous with those who are not a nation..." He'll talk more a little later about why God tries to make those close to him jealous. The message of God's love goes out far and wide. How do we respond to God's love? How do we share it with others?

God bless,
Sam

Romans 10:12-21

12For there is no distinction between Jew and Greek; the same Lord is Lord of all and is generous to all who call on him. 13For, “Everyone who calls on the name of the Lord shall be saved.” 14But how are they to call on one in whom they have not believed? And how are they to believe in one of whom they have never heard? And how are they to hear without someone to proclaim him? 15And how are they to proclaim him unless they are sent? As it is written, “How beautiful are the feet of those who bring good news!” 16But not all have obeyed the good news; for Isaiah says, “Lord, who has believed our message?” 17So faith comes from what is heard, and what is heard comes through the word of Christ.



18But 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.” 19Again 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.” 20Then Isaiah is so bold as to say, “I have been found by those who did not seek me; I have shown myself to those who did not ask for me.” 21But of Israel he says, “All day long I have held out my hands to a disobedient and contrary people.”