ROMANS 12

I've read Romans every day since my last post - but went back over chapters 9 - 11 repeatedly. Yesterday I did a little bunny trail on the words 'justify and justified' in Romans as well.

Today's reading is chapter 12. What a chapter! It is one I need to re-read weekly. Actually, as I'm reading the Bible I say that about a lot of chapters! But this one is soooooooo good! Chapter 12 both encourages using the gifts we are given by the Holy Spirit as part of the body of Christ; and it identifies multiple qualities a true Christian aspires to - qualities that are only present through the work of the Holy Spirit.

I love the inspired Word of God written by His faithful servants. When I read Paul's writings I am very aware that sometimes what he writes is his opinion - but most of the time, as in this chapter, he is writing what he has learned in the process of the Holy Spirit teaching him, and he shares it with us. It amazes me that what was stated almost 2000 years ago is so perfectly pertinent to my life today. In the midst of challenge, Romans 12 provides wonderful teaching. I'll use the 2011 NIV, but add some insight from the ESV in parentheses.

Love must be sincere (genuine)
Hate what is evil; cling to what is good
Be devoted to one another in love (brotherly affection)
Honor one another above yourselves
Never be lacking in zeal, but keep your spiritual fervor, serving the Lord
Be joyful in hope (rejoice in hope)
Patient in affliction (tribulation)
Faithful in prayer (constant in prayer)
Share with the Lord's people who are in need (contribute to the needs of the saints)
Practice hospitality (seek to show hospitality)
Bless those who persecute you; bless and do not curse
Rejoice with those who rejoice
Mourn with those who mourn (weep with those who weep)
Live in harmony with one another
Do not be proud but be willing to associate with people of low position
Do not be conceited (wise in your own eyes)
Do not repay anyone evil for evil.
Be careful to do what is right in the eyes of everyone (give thought to do what is honorable in the sight of all)
If it is possible, as far as it depends on you, live at peace with everyone
Verse 19: Do not take revenge, but leave that to the Lord (my paraphrase)
If your enemy is hungry, feed him; if he is thirsty, give him something to drink
Do not be overcome by evil, but overcome evil with good.

The chapter begins with the admonition to offer our bodies as living sacrifices. It occurs to me in reading this today, that this list of what we are to aspire to clarifies what that means.

ROMANS 9

In my sequential reading of Paul's writing, my chapter for today is Romans 9. I was thrilled with the timely reminders in yesterdays reading - Chapter 8, where we are reminded of God's unfailing love: "If God is for us, who can be against us?" What a reminder of God's amazing love!

Today's chapter is compelling in a different way. In the first few verses Paul says he would be willing to be cut off from Christ if by doing that he could gain the salvation of his Jewish race. Verses 4 & 5 leap off the page at me. Paul says, "They are Israelites, and to them belong the adoption, the glory, the covenants, the giving of the law, the worship, and the promises. To them belong the patriarchs, and from their race, according to the flesh, is the Christ (the Messiah) who is God over all, blessed forever. Amen. (ESV)"

The words are a powerful reminder of God's sovereignty, and of His mercy in extending the offer of salvation through Jesus Christ to those outside the Jewish faith. I am intentionally using the word faith instead of race, for this chapter makes it very clear that those who are true sons of Abraham, are those who are sons by faith.

This does not exclude Israel. Israel has not been bypassed or usurped in God's divine plan. It is still the center of the world, and the center of God's heart. We, as Gentiles, are adopted in. I'm grateful for that adoption as a child of God, dearly loved, grafted in. But it also makes me pay attention.

I get terribly uneasy every time political leaders fail to stand up for Israel. God is Israel's protector - and anyone who stands against her is defying Almighty God. If we as a country fail to pay attention to that and if we do not stand up for Israel, we will reap the consequences. The handwriting is on the wall. We are living in the days when men call evil good, and good evil.

If you want to know whether the Lord's return is drawing near: watch Israel!