ISSL Reflections August 1 2021 Romans 10:5-17 Post 3

VII.
Allow me to repeat the closing sentence of my last post,

“Might it be said that faith comes by “the word that is near you” being heard and recognized and finding expression in our own words and lives?”

As you read Paul’s words once again what do you find to be “the word that is near you”?

VIII.
Romans 10:5-17

Moses writes concerning the righteousness that comes from the law, that “the person who does these things will live by them.” But the righteousness that comes from faith says, “Do not say in your heart, ‘Who will ascend into heaven?’” (that is, to bring Christ down) “or ‘Who will descend into the abyss?’” (that is, to bring Christ up from the dead). But what does it say?

“The word is near you,
on your lips and in your heart”

(that is, the word of faith that we proclaim); because if you confess with your lips that Jesus is Lord and believe in your heart that God raised him from the dead, you will be saved. For one believes with the heart and so is justified, and one confesses with the mouth and so is saved. The scripture says, “No one who believes in him will be put to shame.” For there is no distinction between Jew and Greek; the same Lord is Lord of all and is generous to all who call on him. For, “Everyone who calls on the name of the Lord shall be saved.”

But 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? And 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!” But not all have obeyed the good news; for Isaiah says, “Lord, who has believed our message?” So faith comes from what is heard, and what is heard comes through the word of Christ.

IX.
Did you notice how many times Paul mentions “confess … call … hear … proclaim”?

What do you see as Paul’s participation in and role in those actions?

As I consider that question I have to ask about my own actions.

I have to consider how I can be one who can and does “bring the good news!”

The good news that “ … there is no distinction between Jew and Greek; the same Lord is Lord of all and is generous to all who call on him.”

How in my life can I exemplify and communicate the grace and generosity of God?

charles
{ubi caritas et amor, Deus ibi est}


Leave a Reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *