Hi friends,
Paul talks here about justification by faith. When Paul says we’re justified by faith, it means even though we are sinners, God declares us innocent because of Christ’s faithfulness. Since we have been declared innocent, we can be free from our guilt and shame to live fearless lives of faith and love.
God bless,
Sam
Romans 5:1-8
Therefore, since we are justified by faith, we have peace with God through our Lord Jesus Christ, 2through whom we have obtained access to this grace in which we stand; and we boast in our hope of sharing the glory of God.
3And not only that, but we also boast in our sufferings, knowing that suffering produces endurance, 4and endurance produces character, and character produces hope, 5and hope does not disappoint us, because God’s love has been poured into our hearts through the Holy Spirit that has been given to us.
6For while we were still weak, at the right time Christ died for the ungodly. 7Indeed, rarely will anyone die for a righteous person—though perhaps for a good person someone might actually dare to die. 8But God proves his love for us in that while we still were sinners Christ died for us.
Showing posts with label mercy. Show all posts
Showing posts with label mercy. Show all posts
Monday, March 17, 2014
Thursday, November 14, 2013
watch out
Good morning friends,
In today's reading Peter encourages other believers. He recognizes that many of them face persecution, so he writes to remind them that they are not alone. The power of evil in the world is strong, but it will not have the last word.
God bless,
Sam
Sam
1 Peter 5:6-11
6Humble yourselves therefore under the mighty hand of God, so that he may exalt you in due time. 7Cast all your anxiety on him, because he cares for you. 8Discipline yourselves, keep alert. Like a roaring lion your adversary the devil prowls around, looking for someone to devour. 9Resist him, steadfast in your faith, for you know that your brothers and sisters in all the world are undergoing the same kinds of suffering. 10And after you have suffered for a little while, the God of all grace, who has called you to his eternal glory in Christ, will himself restore, support, strengthen, and establish you. 11To him be the power forever and ever. Amen.
Sunday, August 4, 2013
accusing the accuser
Good evening friends,
I hope you've gotten to enjoy this amazing day. In the first chapter of Romans Paul spells out how the gentiles have gone wrong by worshiping idols instead of God, even though their examination of the world should be enough to show them God. His focus on idolatry makes his Jewish readers feel a little self-congratulatory, but Paul then pivots to accuse them as well. He argues in today's reading that those who look down on sinners are usually sinning as well. He is building a case that we are all in need of God's grace because we are not righteous on our own. Fortunately, God's love is stronger than our sin.
God bless,
Sam
I hope you've gotten to enjoy this amazing day. In the first chapter of Romans Paul spells out how the gentiles have gone wrong by worshiping idols instead of God, even though their examination of the world should be enough to show them God. His focus on idolatry makes his Jewish readers feel a little self-congratulatory, but Paul then pivots to accuse them as well. He argues in today's reading that those who look down on sinners are usually sinning as well. He is building a case that we are all in need of God's grace because we are not righteous on our own. Fortunately, God's love is stronger than our sin.
God bless,
Sam
Romans
2:1-11
Therefore
you have no excuse, whoever you are, when you judge others; for in passing judgement
on another you condemn yourself, because you, the judge, are doing the very
same things. 2You say, ‘We know that
God’s judgement on those who do such things is in accordance with truth.’ 3Do
you imagine, whoever you are, that when you judge those who do such things and
yet do them yourself, you will escape the judgement of God? 4Or do
you despise the riches of his kindness and forbearance and patience? Do you not
realize that God’s kindness is meant to lead you to repentance?
5But by your
hard and impenitent heart you are storing up wrath for yourself on the day of
wrath, when God’s righteous judgement will be revealed. 6For he will
repay according to each one’s deeds: 7to those who by patiently
doing good seek for glory and honour and immortality, he will give eternal life;
8while for those who are self-seeking and who obey not the truth but
wickedness, there will be wrath and fury. 9There will be anguish and
distress for everyone who does evil, the Jew first and also the Greek, 10but
glory and honour and peace for everyone who does good, the Jew first and also
the Greek. 11For God shows no partiality.
Saturday, March 16, 2013
forgiven and forgiving
Good afternoon friends,
Today's reading is one of my two favorite passages about forgiveness (the other one is tomorrow's reading, and both will be our worship texts for tomorrow). Peter asks Jesus if he should forgive another brother or sister in the church as many as seven times when they sin against him. The way he asks the question, he seems to think forgiving seven times is a stretch, and sometimes it is. Jesus pushes him further (what a surprise) and illustrates the point with a story about God's forgiveness for us. When we ask God's forgiveness, God is immediately willing to forgive. God also expects us to treat others the same way. Jesus warns us not to expect to be forgiven if we clutch our grudges against others to our chest. Challenging words, but also a beautiful invitation to lay down the burden of self-condemnation, because Jesus welcomes us home.
God bless,
Sam
Today's reading is one of my two favorite passages about forgiveness (the other one is tomorrow's reading, and both will be our worship texts for tomorrow). Peter asks Jesus if he should forgive another brother or sister in the church as many as seven times when they sin against him. The way he asks the question, he seems to think forgiving seven times is a stretch, and sometimes it is. Jesus pushes him further (what a surprise) and illustrates the point with a story about God's forgiveness for us. When we ask God's forgiveness, God is immediately willing to forgive. God also expects us to treat others the same way. Jesus warns us not to expect to be forgiven if we clutch our grudges against others to our chest. Challenging words, but also a beautiful invitation to lay down the burden of self-condemnation, because Jesus welcomes us home.
God bless,
Sam
Matthew 18:21-35
21Then Peter came and said to him, “Lord, if
another member of the church sins against me,
how often should I forgive? As many as seven times?” 22Jesus
said to him, “Not seven times, but, I tell you, seventy-seven times.
23“For this reason the kingdom of heaven may be
compared to a king who wished to settle accounts with his slaves. 24When
he began the reckoning, one who owed him ten thousand talents was brought to
him; 25and, as he could not pay, his lord ordered him to be sold,
together with his wife and children and all his possessions, and payment to be
made. 26So the slave fell on his knees before him, saying, ‘Have
patience with me, and I will pay you everything.’ 27And out of pity
for him, the lord of that slave released him and forgave him the debt.
28But that same slave, as he went out, came upon
one of his fellow slaves who owed him a hundred denarii; and seizing him by the
throat, he said, ‘Pay what you owe.’ 29Then his fellow slave fell
down and pleaded with him, ‘Have patience with me, and I will pay you.’ 30But
he refused; then he went and threw him into prison until he would pay the debt.
31When his fellow slaves saw what had happened, they were greatly
distressed, and they went and reported to their lord all that had taken place.
32Then his lord summoned him and said to him, ‘You
wicked slave! I forgave you all that debt because you pleaded with me. 33Should
you not have had mercy on your fellow slave, as I had mercy on you?’ 34And
in anger his lord handed him over to be tortured until he would pay his entire
debt. 35So my heavenly Father will also do to every one of you, if
you do not forgive your brother or sister from your heart.”
Friday, March 15, 2013
politics and forgiveness
Good morning brothers and sisters,
It's interesting that our reading for today is about obeying the emperor, since March 15th was the day Julius Caesar was assassinated. The reading itself is challenging because it seems to be a total capitulation to worldly power as it is. Peter, Paul and other early Christian leaders didn't feel called to change the structures of power in the world because they believed the world as we know it was moving quickly to an end. Their guidance is wise in that there are things we can't change, and even the things that are wrong provide an opportunity to live and show our faith.
At the same time, we need to take Peter's language of obedience with a grain of salt. When Peter was ordered by religious leaders to stop preaching Christ, he refused to obey. When he wrote his letters the Roman Empire didn't consistently persecute Christians, but when they did outlaw Christianity, he certainly disobeyed that order as well. Living in some form of democracy as we do, our relationship to power is different too. We make the laws, which means we need to bring our faithful sense of justice and creating a better society to our political responsibilities.
Enough of that. The real reason I included this passage is the end, which focuses on forgiveness. We owe our lives to Jesus who forgives us at great cost. Now we are free to live our lives for the sake of righteousness, trusting in God's love and struggling to make that love real for everyone.
God bless,
Sam
It's interesting that our reading for today is about obeying the emperor, since March 15th was the day Julius Caesar was assassinated. The reading itself is challenging because it seems to be a total capitulation to worldly power as it is. Peter, Paul and other early Christian leaders didn't feel called to change the structures of power in the world because they believed the world as we know it was moving quickly to an end. Their guidance is wise in that there are things we can't change, and even the things that are wrong provide an opportunity to live and show our faith.
At the same time, we need to take Peter's language of obedience with a grain of salt. When Peter was ordered by religious leaders to stop preaching Christ, he refused to obey. When he wrote his letters the Roman Empire didn't consistently persecute Christians, but when they did outlaw Christianity, he certainly disobeyed that order as well. Living in some form of democracy as we do, our relationship to power is different too. We make the laws, which means we need to bring our faithful sense of justice and creating a better society to our political responsibilities.
Enough of that. The real reason I included this passage is the end, which focuses on forgiveness. We owe our lives to Jesus who forgives us at great cost. Now we are free to live our lives for the sake of righteousness, trusting in God's love and struggling to make that love real for everyone.
God bless,
Sam
1 Peter 2:13-25
13For the Lord’s sake accept the authority of
every human institution, whether of the emperor as supreme, 14or of
governors, as sent by him to punish those who do wrong and to praise those who
do right. 15For it is God’s will that by doing right you should
silence the ignorance of the foolish. 16As servants of God, live as
free people, yet do not use your freedom as a pretext for evil. 17Honor
everyone. Love the family of believers. Fear God. Honor the emperor.
18Slaves, accept the authority of your masters
with all deference, not only those who are kind and gentle but also those who
are harsh. 19For it is a credit to you if, being aware of God, you
endure pain while suffering unjustly. 20If you endure when you are
beaten for doing wrong, what credit is that? But if you endure when you do
right and suffer for it, you have God’s approval.
21For to this you
have been called, because Christ also suffered for you, leaving you an example,
so that you should follow in his steps. 22“He committed no sin, and
no deceit was found in his mouth.” 23When he was abused, he did not
return abuse; when he suffered, he did not threaten; but he entrusted himself
to the one who judges justly. 24He himself bore our sins in his body
on the cross, so that, free from sins, we might live for righteousness; by his
wounds you have been healed. 25For you were going astray like sheep,
but now you have returned to the shepherd and guardian of your souls.
Thursday, March 14, 2013
forgiveness and integrity
Good afternoon sisters and brothers,
John's letters aren't as well known as Paul's letters, but they are wonderful little gems of our faith. In today's reading John makes three related points. First, faith is about what we do; we have to live our faith, not just talk about it. Second, when we admit our sin and shortcomings God forgives us. And finally, we all fall short, so if we claim we aren't sinners we aren't being honest. The freedom to admit our brokenness and trust Christ to heal us is one of the greatest blessings of our faith.
Blessings on your freedom and honesty today,
Sam
John's letters aren't as well known as Paul's letters, but they are wonderful little gems of our faith. In today's reading John makes three related points. First, faith is about what we do; we have to live our faith, not just talk about it. Second, when we admit our sin and shortcomings God forgives us. And finally, we all fall short, so if we claim we aren't sinners we aren't being honest. The freedom to admit our brokenness and trust Christ to heal us is one of the greatest blessings of our faith.
Blessings on your freedom and honesty today,
Sam
1 John 1:5-10
5This is the
message we have heard from him and proclaim to you, that God is light and in
him there is no darkness at all. 6If we say that we have fellowship
with him while we are walking in darkness, we lie and do not do what is true; 7but
if we walk in the light as he himself is in the light, we have fellowship with
one another, and the blood of Jesus his Son cleanses us from all sin.
8If we say
that we have no sin, we deceive ourselves, and the truth is not in us. 9If
we confess our sins, he who is faithful and just will forgive us our sins and
cleanse us from all unrighteousness. 10If we say that we have not
sinned, we make him a liar, and his word is not in us.
Wednesday, March 13, 2013
living our faith
Good afternoon friends,
Today's reading reminds us that our faith isn't just something we believe, but something we're called to live. When someone treats us the wrong way, we should think first about how God has forgiven us and figure out how we can forgive other people. Forgiveness is hard, but it's a lot easier when we remember that we have been forgiven. Above all, Paul writes, love is the mark of a Christian. How's your week going in terms of living your faith?
God bless,
Sam
Today's reading reminds us that our faith isn't just something we believe, but something we're called to live. When someone treats us the wrong way, we should think first about how God has forgiven us and figure out how we can forgive other people. Forgiveness is hard, but it's a lot easier when we remember that we have been forgiven. Above all, Paul writes, love is the mark of a Christian. How's your week going in terms of living your faith?
God bless,
Sam
Colossians 3:12-17
12As God’s chosen ones, holy and beloved, clothe yourselves
with compassion, kindness, humility, meekness, and patience. 13Bear
with one another and, if anyone has a complaint against another, forgive each other;
just as the Lord has forgiven you, so you also must forgive.
14Above all, clothe yourselves with love, which
binds everything together in perfect harmony. 15And let the peace of
Christ rule in your hearts, to which indeed you were called in the one body.
And be thankful. 16Let the word of Christ dwell in you richly; teach
and admonish one another in all wisdom; and with gratitude in your hearts sing
psalms, hymns, and spiritual songs to God. 17And whatever you do, in
word or deed, do everything in the name of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks to God
the Father through him.
Tuesday, December 18, 2012
singing praise in the dark
Good afternoon friends,
This poem/song of praise is Zechariah's Spirit-inspired response to the birth of his son, John. Not only does he look ahead to his son's ministry as a prophet preparing the way for the Lord Jesus, he also sees Jesus' role of bringing God's kingdom in a new way. It's a beautiful passage and may help us see Jesus and John in a new way.
At the same time, someone mentioned on Sunday that he might need a redefinition of God's "tender mercies" in light of the Newtown, CT shooting on Friday. There are times we wish God would just come down and fix our troubled world; then there are other times (if we're honest with ourselves) that we mostly want God to leave us alone to do what we want. We trust that someday God will make his rule very obvious and will bring the peaceful kingdom we long for. Most of me wishes that would happen soon, and part of me is afraid of what Jesus will say about how I have used my time, resources and opportunities. In all that, and in judging the world at the end, I trust God to be tender and merciful. I know that the one who rules and will judge knows our suffering not only from watching the world, but especially in Christ's journey to the cross.
God bless,
Sam
Luke 1:67-80
67Then his father Zechariah was filled with the Holy Spirit and spoke this prophecy: 68“Blessed be the Lord God of Israel, for he has looked favorably on his people and redeemed them. 69He has raised up a mighty savior for us in the house of his servant David, 70as he spoke through the mouth of his holy prophets from of old, 71that we would be saved from our enemies and from the hand of all who hate us.
72Thus he has shown the mercy promised to our ancestors, and has remembered his holy covenant, 73the oath that he swore to our ancestor Abraham, to grant us 74that we, being rescued from the hands of our enemies, might serve him without fear, 75in holiness and righteousness before him all our days. 76And you, child, will be called the prophet of the Most High; for you will go before the Lord to prepare his ways, 77to give knowledge of salvation to his people by the forgiveness of their sins. 78By the tender mercy of our God, the dawn from on high will break upon us, 79to give light to those who sit in darkness and in the shadow of death, to guide our feet into the way of peace.” 80The child grew and became strong in spirit, and he was in the wilderness until the day he appeared publicly to Israel.
This poem/song of praise is Zechariah's Spirit-inspired response to the birth of his son, John. Not only does he look ahead to his son's ministry as a prophet preparing the way for the Lord Jesus, he also sees Jesus' role of bringing God's kingdom in a new way. It's a beautiful passage and may help us see Jesus and John in a new way.
At the same time, someone mentioned on Sunday that he might need a redefinition of God's "tender mercies" in light of the Newtown, CT shooting on Friday. There are times we wish God would just come down and fix our troubled world; then there are other times (if we're honest with ourselves) that we mostly want God to leave us alone to do what we want. We trust that someday God will make his rule very obvious and will bring the peaceful kingdom we long for. Most of me wishes that would happen soon, and part of me is afraid of what Jesus will say about how I have used my time, resources and opportunities. In all that, and in judging the world at the end, I trust God to be tender and merciful. I know that the one who rules and will judge knows our suffering not only from watching the world, but especially in Christ's journey to the cross.
God bless,
Sam
Luke 1:67-80
67Then his father Zechariah was filled with the Holy Spirit and spoke this prophecy: 68“Blessed be the Lord God of Israel, for he has looked favorably on his people and redeemed them. 69He has raised up a mighty savior for us in the house of his servant David, 70as he spoke through the mouth of his holy prophets from of old, 71that we would be saved from our enemies and from the hand of all who hate us.
72Thus he has shown the mercy promised to our ancestors, and has remembered his holy covenant, 73the oath that he swore to our ancestor Abraham, to grant us 74that we, being rescued from the hands of our enemies, might serve him without fear, 75in holiness and righteousness before him all our days. 76And you, child, will be called the prophet of the Most High; for you will go before the Lord to prepare his ways, 77to give knowledge of salvation to his people by the forgiveness of their sins. 78By the tender mercy of our God, the dawn from on high will break upon us, 79to give light to those who sit in darkness and in the shadow of death, to guide our feet into the way of peace.” 80The child grew and became strong in spirit, and he was in the wilderness until the day he appeared publicly to Israel.
Friday, November 23, 2012
favoritism
Good afternoon brothers and sisters,
I hope your Thanksgiving was wonderful and you're getting a chance to relax today. James continues his train of thought about living our faith with an example. He talks about the temptation to play favorites, while God calls us to treat everyone equally. The church should be one place where everyone is welcomed and everyone's gifts and questions are accepted.
Blessings on your day,
Sam
I hope your Thanksgiving was wonderful and you're getting a chance to relax today. James continues his train of thought about living our faith with an example. He talks about the temptation to play favorites, while God calls us to treat everyone equally. The church should be one place where everyone is welcomed and everyone's gifts and questions are accepted.
Blessings on your day,
Sam
James
2:1-13
My brothers and sisters, do you with your
acts of favoritism really believe in our glorious Lord Jesus Christ? 2For
if a person with gold rings and in fine clothes comes into your assembly, and
if a poor person in dirty clothes also comes in, 3and if you take
notice of the one wearing the fine clothes and say, “Have a seat here, please,”
while to the one who is poor you say, “Stand there,” or, “Sit at my feet,” 4have
you not made distinctions among yourselves, and become judges with evil
thoughts?
5Listen, my beloved brothers and
sisters. Has not God chosen the poor in the world to be rich in faith and to be
heirs of the kingdom that he has promised to those who love him? 6But
you have dishonored the poor. Is it not the rich who oppress you? Is it not
they who drag you into court? 7Is it not they who blaspheme the
excellent name that was invoked over you?
8You do well if you really fulfill the
royal law according to the scripture, “You shall love your neighbor as
yourself.” 9But if you show partiality, you commit sin and are
convicted by the law as transgressors. 10For whoever keeps the whole
law but fails in one point has become accountable for all of it. 11For
the one who said, “You shall not commit adultery,” also said, “You shall not
murder.” Now if you do not commit adultery but if you murder, you have become a
transgressor of the law. 12So speak and so act as those who are to
be judged by the law of liberty. 13For judgment will be without
mercy to anyone who has shown no mercy; mercy triumphs over judgment.
Tuesday, November 13, 2012
God is love
Good morning sisters and brothers,
Tomorrow we'll be back at the Boulevard at 8:30pm for a discussion on asking big questions when you don't know the answers. Last week we had an engaging and wide ranging discussion talking about community, scripture and life experience.
In a recent survey of non-church goers who were asked to give the first word that came to mind when they thought about Christians, some of the most common responses were: judgmental, hypocritical and close-minded. While those traits might describe some of the loudest public voices in Christianity, John makes it clear that they are not traits of faithful Christians. He says love is the point of our faith. God loves us so deeply and sacrificially in Christ that our first calling is to love others in the same spirit. If we truly follow that, we'll be on the right path.
God bless,
Sam
Tomorrow we'll be back at the Boulevard at 8:30pm for a discussion on asking big questions when you don't know the answers. Last week we had an engaging and wide ranging discussion talking about community, scripture and life experience.
In a recent survey of non-church goers who were asked to give the first word that came to mind when they thought about Christians, some of the most common responses were: judgmental, hypocritical and close-minded. While those traits might describe some of the loudest public voices in Christianity, John makes it clear that they are not traits of faithful Christians. He says love is the point of our faith. God loves us so deeply and sacrificially in Christ that our first calling is to love others in the same spirit. If we truly follow that, we'll be on the right path.
God bless,
Sam
1
John 4:7-21
7Beloved, let
us love one another, because love is from God; everyone who loves is born of
God and knows God. 8Whoever does not love does not know God, for God
is love. 9God’s love was revealed among us in this way: God sent his
only Son into the world so that we might live through him. 10In this
is love, not that we loved God but that he loved us and sent his Son to be the
atoning sacrifice for our sins.
11Beloved,
since God loved us so much, we also ought to love one another. 12No
one has ever seen God; if we love one another, God lives in us, and his love is
perfected in us. 13By this we know that we abide in him and he in
us, because he has given us of his Spirit. 14And we have seen and do
testify that the Father has sent his Son as the Savior of the world. 15God
abides in those who confess that Jesus is the Son of God, and they abide in
God. 16So we have known and believe the love that God has for us.
God is love, and those who abide in love abide in God, and God abides in them.
17Love has been
perfected among us in this: that we may have boldness on the day of judgment,
because as he is, so are we in this world. 18There is no fear in
love, but perfect love casts out fear; for fear has to do with punishment, and
whoever fears has not reached perfection in love. 19We love because
he first loved us. 20Those who say, “I love God,” and hate their
brothers or sisters, are liars; for those who do not love a brother or sister
whom they have seen, cannot love God whom they have not seen. 21The
commandment we have from him is this: those who love God must love their
brothers and sisters also.
Saturday, November 10, 2012
forgive
Good evening friends,
As we enjoy the comforts of home, please keep our service men and women and our veterans in your prayers. Many of these men and women have given up a lot to protect the freedoms we enjoy. Many are far from home now, thinking about their loved ones.
In today's reading, Paul reminds us that God has called us in love to be God's people. We are forgiven and loved in an amazing way in Jesus, so we should be loving and forgiven in our relationships with others.
God bless,
Sam
As we enjoy the comforts of home, please keep our service men and women and our veterans in your prayers. Many of these men and women have given up a lot to protect the freedoms we enjoy. Many are far from home now, thinking about their loved ones.
In today's reading, Paul reminds us that God has called us in love to be God's people. We are forgiven and loved in an amazing way in Jesus, so we should be loving and forgiven in our relationships with others.
God bless,
Sam
Colossians
3:12-17
12As God’s chosen
ones, holy and beloved, clothe yourselves with compassion, kindness, humility,
meekness, and patience. 13Bear with one another and, if anyone has a
complaint against another, forgive each other; just as the Lord has forgiven
you, so you also must forgive. 14Above all, clothe yourselves with
love, which binds everything together in perfect harmony. 15And let
the peace of Christ rule in your hearts, to which indeed you were called in the
one body. And be thankful.
16Let the word of
Christ dwell in you richly; teach and admonish one another in all wisdom; and
with gratitude in your hearts sing psalms, hymns, and spiritual songs to God. 17And
whatever you do, in word or deed, do everything in the name of the Lord Jesus,
giving thanks to God the Father through him.
Wednesday, September 26, 2012
preparing for the end
Good morning friends,
In our reading for today Jesus tells his followers what to expect when the end of history comes. The early church expected the end very soon, but as we know "soon" can mean something different for God than for us. For many of us, the end of the world is not on our radar screens. We've seen generations come and go, but the world keeps spinning. We don't know when this will end; elsewhere Jesus says it's not for us to know. So we make plans expecting things to keep going as they are. But one day, trouble and persecution will come and Christ will return "to judge the quick and the dead." It's all in God's hands, so read, reflect, pray, and don't worry.
God bless,
Sam
In our reading for today Jesus tells his followers what to expect when the end of history comes. The early church expected the end very soon, but as we know "soon" can mean something different for God than for us. For many of us, the end of the world is not on our radar screens. We've seen generations come and go, but the world keeps spinning. We don't know when this will end; elsewhere Jesus says it's not for us to know. So we make plans expecting things to keep going as they are. But one day, trouble and persecution will come and Christ will return "to judge the quick and the dead." It's all in God's hands, so read, reflect, pray, and don't worry.
God bless,
Sam
Mark
13:9-23
9 ‘As for yourselves, beware; for they
will hand you over to councils; and you will be beaten in synagogues; and you
will stand before governors and kings because of me, as a testimony to them. 10And
the good news must first be proclaimed to all nations. 11When they
bring you to trial and hand you over, do not worry beforehand about what you
are to say; but say whatever is given you at that time, for it is not you who
speak, but the Holy Spirit. 12Brother will betray brother to death,
and a father his child, and children will rise against parents and have them
put to death; 13and you will be hated by all because of my name. But
the one who endures to the end will be saved.
14 ‘But when you see the desolating
sacrilege set up where it ought not to be (let the reader understand), then
those in Judea must flee to the mountains; 15someone on the housetop
must not go down or enter the house to take anything away; 16someone
in the field must not turn back to get a coat. 17Woe to those who
are pregnant and to those who are nursing infants in those days!
18Pray that it may not be in winter. 19For
in those days there will be suffering, such as has not been from the beginning
of the creation that God created until now, no, and never will be. 20And
if the Lord had not cut short those days, no one would be saved; but for the
sake of the elect, whom he chose, he has cut short those days. 21And
if anyone says to you at that time, “Look! Here is the Messiah!” or “Look!
There he is!”—do not believe it. 22False messiahs and false prophets
will appear and produce signs and omens, to lead astray, if possible, the
elect. 23But be alert; I have already told you everything.
Thursday, April 12, 2012
God's sword
Good morning brothers and sisters,
In today's reading the author of the Letter to the Hebrews compares God's word with a sharp sword. He or she talks about how scripture exposes our inner self to God, who sees everything about us. When we read scripture, especially when we read it prayerfully, we don't just learn stories about our faith or pieces of doctrine. We see God revealed through the word. We also see ourselves clearly. When the psalmist talks honestly about his sin and the joy of forgiveness, we see how we get tangled up in sin as well. When ordinary people do amazing things for God we are inspired to claim our own ministry. When biblical characters do mean or stupid things, we reflect on the areas we still need to work on.
Scripture convicts us of our shortcomings and it lifts up our potential. It also reminds us that no matter what we have done, God is merciful and wants to forgive us. So open the word, confess your brokenness, and come to the throne of grace.
God bless,
Sam
In today's reading the author of the Letter to the Hebrews compares God's word with a sharp sword. He or she talks about how scripture exposes our inner self to God, who sees everything about us. When we read scripture, especially when we read it prayerfully, we don't just learn stories about our faith or pieces of doctrine. We see God revealed through the word. We also see ourselves clearly. When the psalmist talks honestly about his sin and the joy of forgiveness, we see how we get tangled up in sin as well. When ordinary people do amazing things for God we are inspired to claim our own ministry. When biblical characters do mean or stupid things, we reflect on the areas we still need to work on.
Scripture convicts us of our shortcomings and it lifts up our potential. It also reminds us that no matter what we have done, God is merciful and wants to forgive us. So open the word, confess your brokenness, and come to the throne of grace.
God bless,
Sam
Hebrews 4:12-16
12Indeed, the word of God is living and active, sharper than any two-edged sword, piercing until it divides soul from spirit, joints from marrow; it is able to judge the thoughts and intentions of the heart. 13And before him no creature is hidden, but all are naked and laid bare to the eyes of the one to whom we must render an account.
14Since, then, we have a great high priest who has passed through the heavens, Jesus, the Son of God, let us hold fast to our confession. 15For we do not have a high priest who is unable to sympathize with our weaknesses, but we have one who in every respect has been tested as we are, yet without sin. 16Let us therefore approach the throne of grace with boldness, so that we may receive mercy and find grace to help in time of need.
Friday, March 16, 2012
God's gracious sacrifice
Good morning brothers and sisters,
Today's reading is challenging, so if you can, read it through at least twice. In the first two chapters of this letter Paul argued that everyone sins; he reinforces that point here. We have all sinned, so we all need God's forgiveness, God's grace. Paul says until Christ our sin was in forbearance like a loan we couldn't pay. God wasn't collecting the loan; he wasn't demanding the penalty for sin, but the sin wasn't forgiven either.
Then, amazingly, God offers Jesus as a sacrifice for sin. That shows righteousness because the debt of sin is paid for rather than just overlooked, but the debt we couldn't pay is paid by God. By paying our debt God offers forgiveness to everyone: Jews and gentiles, the whole world. We join ourselves to Christ by faith and so we trade in our sin for Christ's righteousness. We can't boast about our goodness because God did it for us. Our role now is to accept God's amazing love, to let go of guilt and fear, and to make our lives shine with love and gratitude to the God who loves us so much.
Blessings on your day,
Sam
Today's reading is challenging, so if you can, read it through at least twice. In the first two chapters of this letter Paul argued that everyone sins; he reinforces that point here. We have all sinned, so we all need God's forgiveness, God's grace. Paul says until Christ our sin was in forbearance like a loan we couldn't pay. God wasn't collecting the loan; he wasn't demanding the penalty for sin, but the sin wasn't forgiven either.
Then, amazingly, God offers Jesus as a sacrifice for sin. That shows righteousness because the debt of sin is paid for rather than just overlooked, but the debt we couldn't pay is paid by God. By paying our debt God offers forgiveness to everyone: Jews and gentiles, the whole world. We join ourselves to Christ by faith and so we trade in our sin for Christ's righteousness. We can't boast about our goodness because God did it for us. Our role now is to accept God's amazing love, to let go of guilt and fear, and to make our lives shine with love and gratitude to the God who loves us so much.
Blessings on your day,
Sam
Romans 3:19-31
19Now we know that whatever the law says, it speaks to those who are under the law, so that every mouth may be silenced, and the whole world may be held accountable to God. 20For “no human being will be justified in his sight” by deeds prescribed by the law, for through the law comes the knowledge of sin.
21But now, apart from law, the righteousness of God has been disclosed, and is attested by the law and the prophets, 22the righteousness of God through faith in Jesus Christ for all who believe. For there is no distinction, 23since all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God; 24they are now justified by his grace as a gift, through the redemption that is in Christ Jesus, 25whom God put forward as a sacrifice of atonement by his blood, effective through faith. He did this to show his righteousness, because in his divine forbearance he had passed over the sins previously committed; 26it was to prove at the present time that he himself is righteous and that he justifies the one who has faith in Jesus.
27Then what becomes of boasting? It is excluded. By what law? By that of works? No, but by the law of faith. 28For we hold that a person is justified by faith apart from works prescribed by the law. 29Or is God the God of Jews only? Is he not the God of Gentiles also? Yes, of Gentiles also, 30since God is one; and he will justify the circumcised on the ground of faith and the uncircumcised through that same faith. 31Do we then overthrow the law by this faith? By no means! On the contrary, we uphold the law.
Thursday, February 9, 2012
taxing prayer
Good afternoon friends,
I'm sorry the readings have been so inconsistent this week; it has been a strange week and I haven't been as consistent as I want to be. Today's reading is an important reminder about prayer: good prayer starts with humility. We come to God with out needs and our shortcomings, and God blesses us with love. This parable is short and often told; it's one of Jesus' stories that I think is worth storing on our heart because it's good to think about often.
God bless,
Sam
I'm sorry the readings have been so inconsistent this week; it has been a strange week and I haven't been as consistent as I want to be. Today's reading is an important reminder about prayer: good prayer starts with humility. We come to God with out needs and our shortcomings, and God blesses us with love. This parable is short and often told; it's one of Jesus' stories that I think is worth storing on our heart because it's good to think about often.
God bless,
Sam
Luke 8:9-14
9He also told this parable to some who trusted in themselves that they were righteous and regarded others with contempt: 10“Two men went up to the temple to pray, one a Pharisee and the other a tax collector. 11The Pharisee, standing by himself, was praying thus, ‘God, I thank you that I am not like other people: thieves, rogues, adulterers, or even like this tax collector. 12I fast twice a week; I give a tenth of all my income.’ 13But the tax collector, standing far off, would not even look up to heaven, but was beating his breast and saying, ‘God, be merciful to me, a sinner!’ 14I tell you, this man went down to his home justified rather than the other; for all who exalt themselves will be humbled, but all who humble themselves will be exalted.”
Sunday, December 18, 2011
comfort
Good morning friends,
I'd like to thank everyone who helped or stopped by to see the living nativity last night. We had a great time sharing the story of Christ's birth with our neighborhood. If you missed it last night, or if you saw it but want to play a part this time through, we'll be back in the manger on Friday at 6pm. Our passages today talk about community and God's amazing comfort for us. The Psalm talks about the beauty of Jerusalem, a city that symbolized for Israel the home of God's temple and the community of faith. The passage from Isaiah proclaims God's incredible forgiveness for Israel and for the world. God reaches out to us and calls us to come home. God also calls us to proclaim the good news of hope to others. With all our faults and failings, we are the ones who will share God's love with people in need of that good news. For whom might you be exactly the right person to introduce them to God's love?
Blessings,
Sam
I'd like to thank everyone who helped or stopped by to see the living nativity last night. We had a great time sharing the story of Christ's birth with our neighborhood. If you missed it last night, or if you saw it but want to play a part this time through, we'll be back in the manger on Friday at 6pm. Our passages today talk about community and God's amazing comfort for us. The Psalm talks about the beauty of Jerusalem, a city that symbolized for Israel the home of God's temple and the community of faith. The passage from Isaiah proclaims God's incredible forgiveness for Israel and for the world. God reaches out to us and calls us to come home. God also calls us to proclaim the good news of hope to others. With all our faults and failings, we are the ones who will share God's love with people in need of that good news. For whom might you be exactly the right person to introduce them to God's love?
Blessings,
Sam
Isaiah 40:1-11
1 Comfort, O comfort my people, says your God.
2 Speak tenderly to Jerusalem, and cry to her
that she has served her term, that her penalty is paid,
that she has received from the Lord’s hand double for all her sins.
2 Speak tenderly to Jerusalem, and cry to her
that she has served her term, that her penalty is paid,
that she has received from the Lord’s hand double for all her sins.
3 A voice cries out:
“In the wilderness prepare the way of the LORD,
“In the wilderness prepare the way of the LORD,
make straight in the desert a highway for our God.
4 Every valley shall be lifted up, and every mountain and hill be made low;
the uneven ground shall become level, and the rough places a plain.
5 Then the glory of the LORD shall be revealed, and all people shall see it together,
for the mouth of the LORD has spoken.”
4 Every valley shall be lifted up, and every mountain and hill be made low;
the uneven ground shall become level, and the rough places a plain.
5 Then the glory of the LORD shall be revealed, and all people shall see it together,
for the mouth of the LORD has spoken.”
6 A voice says, “Cry out!” And I said, “What shall I cry?”
All people are grass, their constancy is like the flower of the field.
7 The grass withers, the flower fades, when the breath of the LORD blows upon it;
All people are grass, their constancy is like the flower of the field.
7 The grass withers, the flower fades, when the breath of the LORD blows upon it;
surely the people are grass.
8 The grass withers, the flower fades; but the word of our God will stand forever.
9 Get you up to a high mountain, O Zion, herald of good tidings;
lift up your voice with strength, O Jerusalem, herald of good tidings, lift it up, do not fear;
say to the cities of Judah, “Here is your God!”
10 See, the Lord GOD comes with might, and his arm rules for him;
his reward is with him, and his recompense before him.
11 He will feed his flock like a shepherd; he will gather the lambs in his arms,
and carry them in his bosom, and gently lead the mother sheep.
lift up your voice with strength, O Jerusalem, herald of good tidings, lift it up, do not fear;
say to the cities of Judah, “Here is your God!”
10 See, the Lord GOD comes with might, and his arm rules for him;
his reward is with him, and his recompense before him.
11 He will feed his flock like a shepherd; he will gather the lambs in his arms,
and carry them in his bosom, and gently lead the mother sheep.
*Sunday
Psalm 122:1-9
1I was glad when they said to me, "Let us go to the house of the LORD!"
2Our feet are standing within your gates, O Jerusalem.
3Jerusalem-built as a city that is bound firmly together.
4To it the tribes go up, the tribes of the LORD,
as was decreed for Israel, to give thanks to the name of the LORD.
5For there the thrones for judgment were set up, the thrones of the house of David.
6Pray for the peace of Jerusalem: "May they prosper who love you.
7Peace be within your walls, and security within your towers."
8For the sake of my relatives and friends I will say, "Peace be within you."
9For the sake of the house of the LORD our God, I will seek your good.
Saturday, October 8, 2011
idols and parenting
Good morning friends,
Sorry to miss yesterday's reading. The short version is that after delivering the Ten Commandments the people saw a cloud of God's glory settling on Mt. Sinai and Moses went up to speak with God and spent 40 days there. Today we see that 40 days was too long for the people to be without Moses. They felt scared and abandoned so they asked Aaron to make gods for them. This is a troubling reading because it reminds us how often we turn away from God, though usually less dramatically. The comic relief in the reading is that Moses and God act like frustrated parents. Notice how each calls the people, "Your people, who you brought out of Egypt." Fortunately, Moses stands up for the people and God's mercy prevails.
Blessings on your weekend,
Sam
Exodus 32:1-14
1When the people saw that Moses delayed to come down from the mountain, the people gathered around Aaron, and said to him, “Come, make gods for us, who shall go before us; as for this Moses, the man who brought us up out of the land of Egypt, we do not know what has become of him.” 2Aaron said to them, “Take off the gold rings that are on the ears of your wives, your sons, and your daughters, and bring them to me.” 3So all the people took off the gold rings from their ears, and brought them to Aaron. 4He took the gold from them, formed it in a mold, and cast an image of a calf; and they said, “These are your gods, O Israel, who brought you up out of the land of Egypt!” 5When Aaron saw this, he built an altar before it; and Aaron made proclamation and said, “Tomorrow shall be a festival to the LORD.” 6They rose early the next day, and offered burnt offerings and brought sacrifices of well-being; and the people sat down to eat and drink, and rose up to revel.
7The LORD said to Moses, “Go down at once! Your people, whom you brought up out of the land of Egypt, have acted perversely; 8they have been quick to turn aside from the way that I commanded them; they have cast for themselves an image of a calf, and have worshiped it and sacrificed to it, and said, ‘These are your gods, O Israel, who brought you up out of the land of Egypt!’” 9The LORD said to Moses, “I have seen this people, how stiff-necked they are. 10Now let me alone, so that my wrath may burn hot against them and I may consume them; and of you I will make a great nation.”
11But Moses implored the LORD his God, and said, “O LORD, why does your wrath burn hot against your people, whom you brought out of the land of Egypt with great power and with a mighty hand? 12Why should the Egyptians say, ‘It was with evil intent that he brought them out to kill them in the mountains, and to consume them from the face of the earth’? Turn from your fierce wrath; change your mind and do not bring disaster on your people. 13Remember Abraham, Isaac, and Israel, your servants, how you swore to them by your own self, saying to them, ‘I will multiply your descendants like the stars of heaven, and all this land that I have promised I will give to your descendants, and they shall inherit it forever.’” 14And the LORD changed his mind about the disaster that he planned to bring on his people.
Sorry to miss yesterday's reading. The short version is that after delivering the Ten Commandments the people saw a cloud of God's glory settling on Mt. Sinai and Moses went up to speak with God and spent 40 days there. Today we see that 40 days was too long for the people to be without Moses. They felt scared and abandoned so they asked Aaron to make gods for them. This is a troubling reading because it reminds us how often we turn away from God, though usually less dramatically. The comic relief in the reading is that Moses and God act like frustrated parents. Notice how each calls the people, "Your people, who you brought out of Egypt." Fortunately, Moses stands up for the people and God's mercy prevails.
Blessings on your weekend,
Sam
Exodus 32:1-14
1When the people saw that Moses delayed to come down from the mountain, the people gathered around Aaron, and said to him, “Come, make gods for us, who shall go before us; as for this Moses, the man who brought us up out of the land of Egypt, we do not know what has become of him.” 2Aaron said to them, “Take off the gold rings that are on the ears of your wives, your sons, and your daughters, and bring them to me.” 3So all the people took off the gold rings from their ears, and brought them to Aaron. 4He took the gold from them, formed it in a mold, and cast an image of a calf; and they said, “These are your gods, O Israel, who brought you up out of the land of Egypt!” 5When Aaron saw this, he built an altar before it; and Aaron made proclamation and said, “Tomorrow shall be a festival to the LORD.” 6They rose early the next day, and offered burnt offerings and brought sacrifices of well-being; and the people sat down to eat and drink, and rose up to revel.
7The LORD said to Moses, “Go down at once! Your people, whom you brought up out of the land of Egypt, have acted perversely; 8they have been quick to turn aside from the way that I commanded them; they have cast for themselves an image of a calf, and have worshiped it and sacrificed to it, and said, ‘These are your gods, O Israel, who brought you up out of the land of Egypt!’” 9The LORD said to Moses, “I have seen this people, how stiff-necked they are. 10Now let me alone, so that my wrath may burn hot against them and I may consume them; and of you I will make a great nation.”
11But Moses implored the LORD his God, and said, “O LORD, why does your wrath burn hot against your people, whom you brought out of the land of Egypt with great power and with a mighty hand? 12Why should the Egyptians say, ‘It was with evil intent that he brought them out to kill them in the mountains, and to consume them from the face of the earth’? Turn from your fierce wrath; change your mind and do not bring disaster on your people. 13Remember Abraham, Isaac, and Israel, your servants, how you swore to them by your own self, saying to them, ‘I will multiply your descendants like the stars of heaven, and all this land that I have promised I will give to your descendants, and they shall inherit it forever.’” 14And the LORD changed his mind about the disaster that he planned to bring on his people.
Tuesday, September 20, 2011
don't assume
Good morning friends,
This is a simple and powerful healing story from Jesus' ministry. Like with the people bringing children to Jesus to bless them, many people in the crowd feel it's inappropriate for the blind men to be calling out for help. As we might expect, they continue to shout for Jesus; they know this is a special opportunity. The other thing that always catches my attention about this passage is that Jesus doesn't assume he knows what the men want. It may well have been obvious that they were blind, but Jesus doesn't assume that's what they want him to help with. He asks them what they want and then heals. If Jesus took the time to ask what kind of help people needed from him, we can take a lesson not to assume about other's needs as well.
God bless,
Sam
Matthew 20:29-34
29As they were leaving Jericho, a large crowd followed him. 30There were two blind men sitting by the roadside. When they heard that Jesus was passing by, they shouted, “Lord, have mercy on us, Son of David!” 31The crowd sternly ordered them to be quiet; but they shouted even more loudly, “Have mercy on us, Lord, Son of David!” 32Jesus stood still and called them, saying, “What do you want me to do for you?” 33They said to him, “Lord, let our eyes be opened.” 34Moved with compassion, Jesus touched their eyes. Immediately they regained their sight and followed him.
This is a simple and powerful healing story from Jesus' ministry. Like with the people bringing children to Jesus to bless them, many people in the crowd feel it's inappropriate for the blind men to be calling out for help. As we might expect, they continue to shout for Jesus; they know this is a special opportunity. The other thing that always catches my attention about this passage is that Jesus doesn't assume he knows what the men want. It may well have been obvious that they were blind, but Jesus doesn't assume that's what they want him to help with. He asks them what they want and then heals. If Jesus took the time to ask what kind of help people needed from him, we can take a lesson not to assume about other's needs as well.
God bless,
Sam
Matthew 20:29-34
29As they were leaving Jericho, a large crowd followed him. 30There were two blind men sitting by the roadside. When they heard that Jesus was passing by, they shouted, “Lord, have mercy on us, Son of David!” 31The crowd sternly ordered them to be quiet; but they shouted even more loudly, “Have mercy on us, Lord, Son of David!” 32Jesus stood still and called them, saying, “What do you want me to do for you?” 33They said to him, “Lord, let our eyes be opened.” 34Moved with compassion, Jesus touched their eyes. Immediately they regained their sight and followed him.
Monday, September 12, 2011
forgiveness
Good morning sisters and brothers,
A few of us began reading the whole Bible yesterday using a simple reading schedule. I've attached the schedule through October in case you're interested in joining us. It takes about 15 minutes each day and we'll finish the Bible in a year. I can guarantee that you'll find it worth the time you put into it, and reading with others makes it easier to stay on track.
Today's reading was the main text for worship yesterday. God's forgiveness is incredible, but it comes with the expectation that we will also forgive others. The parable of the merciful king and the unmerciful slave is a favorite of mine because it illustrates the point clearly. We have all had the experience of needing forgiveness and of needing to forgive, and forgiving others is a constant struggle. God's grace allows us to let go of old wounds and move into a more loving future.
God bless,
Sam
Matthew 18:21-35
21Then Peter came and said to him, “Lord, if another member of the church sins against me, how often should I forgive? As many as seven times?” 22Jesus said to him, “Not seven times, but, I tell you, seventy-seven times.
23“For this reason the kingdom of heaven may be compared to a king who wished to settle accounts with his slaves. 24When he began the reckoning, one who owed him ten thousand talents was brought to him. 25and, as he could not pay, his lord ordered him to be sold, together with his wife and children and all his possessions, and payment to be made. 26So the slave fell on his knees before him, saying, ‘Have patience with me, and I will pay you everything.’ 27And out of pity for him, the lord of that slave released him and forgave him the debt.
28But that same slave, as he went out, came upon one of his fellow slaves who owed him a hundred denarii; and seizing him by the throat, he said, ‘Pay what you owe.’ 29Then his fellow slave fell down and pleaded with him, ‘Have patience with me, and I will pay you.’ 30But he refused; then he went and threw him into prison until he would pay the debt. 31When his fellow slaves saw what had happened, they were greatly distressed, and they went and reported to their lord all that had taken place.
32Then his lord summoned him and said to him, ‘You wicked slave! I forgave you all that debt because you pleaded with me. 33Should you not have had mercy on your fellow slave, as I had mercy on you?’ 34And in anger his lord handed him over to be tortured until he would pay his entire debt. 35So my heavenly Father will also do to every one of you, if you do not forgive your brother or sister from your heart.”
A few of us began reading the whole Bible yesterday using a simple reading schedule. I've attached the schedule through October in case you're interested in joining us. It takes about 15 minutes each day and we'll finish the Bible in a year. I can guarantee that you'll find it worth the time you put into it, and reading with others makes it easier to stay on track.
Today's reading was the main text for worship yesterday. God's forgiveness is incredible, but it comes with the expectation that we will also forgive others. The parable of the merciful king and the unmerciful slave is a favorite of mine because it illustrates the point clearly. We have all had the experience of needing forgiveness and of needing to forgive, and forgiving others is a constant struggle. God's grace allows us to let go of old wounds and move into a more loving future.
God bless,
Sam
Matthew 18:21-35
21Then Peter came and said to him, “Lord, if another member of the church sins against me, how often should I forgive? As many as seven times?” 22Jesus said to him, “Not seven times, but, I tell you, seventy-seven times.
23“For this reason the kingdom of heaven may be compared to a king who wished to settle accounts with his slaves. 24When he began the reckoning, one who owed him ten thousand talents was brought to him. 25and, as he could not pay, his lord ordered him to be sold, together with his wife and children and all his possessions, and payment to be made. 26So the slave fell on his knees before him, saying, ‘Have patience with me, and I will pay you everything.’ 27And out of pity for him, the lord of that slave released him and forgave him the debt.
28But that same slave, as he went out, came upon one of his fellow slaves who owed him a hundred denarii; and seizing him by the throat, he said, ‘Pay what you owe.’ 29Then his fellow slave fell down and pleaded with him, ‘Have patience with me, and I will pay you.’ 30But he refused; then he went and threw him into prison until he would pay the debt. 31When his fellow slaves saw what had happened, they were greatly distressed, and they went and reported to their lord all that had taken place.
32Then his lord summoned him and said to him, ‘You wicked slave! I forgave you all that debt because you pleaded with me. 33Should you not have had mercy on your fellow slave, as I had mercy on you?’ 34And in anger his lord handed him over to be tortured until he would pay his entire debt. 35So my heavenly Father will also do to every one of you, if you do not forgive your brother or sister from your heart.”
Tuesday, August 16, 2011
olive branches
Good morning friends,
Paul continues his argument that the purpose of Israel turning away from God is to give the gentiles a chance to come into the kingdom. At the right time, Israel will all be saved because God's promise is always sure. Paul points out that even though gentiles are coming to Christ, Israel is the original tree and we are transplants. Gentile Christians should have a sense of humility and gratitude not only towards God, but also towards Israel. After all, there faith in God goes back thousands of years. One day, God will bring all things together and redemption will be complete. We will recognize the God who seeks us out and we will recognize each other as sisters and brothers in God's house. May that day come soon.
God bless,
Sam
Romans 11:22-36
22Note then the kindness and the severity of God: severity toward those who have fallen, but God’s kindness toward you, provided you continue in his kindness; otherwise you also will be cut off. 23And even those of Israel, if they do not persist in unbelief, will be grafted in, for God has the power to graft them in again. 24For if you have been cut from what is by nature a wild olive tree and grafted, contrary to nature, into a cultivated olive tree, how much more will these natural branches be grafted back into their own olive tree.
25So that you may not claim to be wiser than you are, brothers and sisters, I want you to understand this mystery: a hardening has come upon part of Israel, until the full number of the Gentiles has come in. 26And so all Israel will be saved; as it is written, “Out of Zion will come the Deliverer; he will banish ungodliness from Jacob.” 27“And this is my covenant with them, when I take away their sins.”
28As regards the gospel they are enemies of God for your sake; but as regards election they are beloved, for the sake of their ancestors; 29for the gifts and the calling of God are irrevocable. 30Just as you were once disobedient to God but have now received mercy because of their disobedience, 31so they have now been disobedient in order that, by the mercy shown to you, they too may now receive mercy. 32For God has imprisoned all in disobedience so that he may be merciful to all.
33O the depth of the riches and wisdom and knowledge of God! How unsearchable are his judgments and how inscrutable his ways! 34“For who has known the mind of the Lord? Or who has been his counselor?” 35“Or who has given a gift to him, to receive a gift in return?” 36For from him and through him and to him are all things. To him be the glory forever. Amen.
Paul continues his argument that the purpose of Israel turning away from God is to give the gentiles a chance to come into the kingdom. At the right time, Israel will all be saved because God's promise is always sure. Paul points out that even though gentiles are coming to Christ, Israel is the original tree and we are transplants. Gentile Christians should have a sense of humility and gratitude not only towards God, but also towards Israel. After all, there faith in God goes back thousands of years. One day, God will bring all things together and redemption will be complete. We will recognize the God who seeks us out and we will recognize each other as sisters and brothers in God's house. May that day come soon.
God bless,
Sam
Romans 11:22-36
22Note then the kindness and the severity of God: severity toward those who have fallen, but God’s kindness toward you, provided you continue in his kindness; otherwise you also will be cut off. 23And even those of Israel, if they do not persist in unbelief, will be grafted in, for God has the power to graft them in again. 24For if you have been cut from what is by nature a wild olive tree and grafted, contrary to nature, into a cultivated olive tree, how much more will these natural branches be grafted back into their own olive tree.
25So that you may not claim to be wiser than you are, brothers and sisters, I want you to understand this mystery: a hardening has come upon part of Israel, until the full number of the Gentiles has come in. 26And so all Israel will be saved; as it is written, “Out of Zion will come the Deliverer; he will banish ungodliness from Jacob.” 27“And this is my covenant with them, when I take away their sins.”
28As regards the gospel they are enemies of God for your sake; but as regards election they are beloved, for the sake of their ancestors; 29for the gifts and the calling of God are irrevocable. 30Just as you were once disobedient to God but have now received mercy because of their disobedience, 31so they have now been disobedient in order that, by the mercy shown to you, they too may now receive mercy. 32For God has imprisoned all in disobedience so that he may be merciful to all.
33O the depth of the riches and wisdom and knowledge of God! How unsearchable are his judgments and how inscrutable his ways! 34“For who has known the mind of the Lord? Or who has been his counselor?” 35“Or who has given a gift to him, to receive a gift in return?” 36For from him and through him and to him are all things. To him be the glory forever. Amen.
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