Paul established the fact the Jews rejection of the gospel would be their demise. The apostle now brings forth old testament scripture to reinforce his plea aimed at the Israelites in an attempt to free them from their bondage to the law and lift them up through faith and acceptance of Jesus Christ.
“14 How, then, can they call on the one they have not believed in? And how can they believe in the one of whom they have not heard? And how can they hear without someone preaching to them?” (Romans 10:14)
Here Paul mentions the Jews had been calling on the name of the Lord yet they ignored and even crucified Him when He was among them. The Israelites also could not believe in a messiah they refused to hear, and as of late would not lend an ear to those who preached the good news about Jesus Christ.
“15 And how can they preach unless they are sent? As it is written, “How beautiful are the feet of those who bring good news!” (Romans 10:15)
In tune with the saying “the word of God never returns void” Paul describes the feet of those sent by God as flourishing. By advancing the gospel of Jesus Christ chosen ministers of the truth adorn themselves with fruits from the harvest that results from seed planting to all the earth.
“16 But not all the Israelites accepted the good news. For Isaiah says, “Lord, who has believed our message?” (Romans 10:16)
Paul felt greatly troubled by the fact not all Jews obeyed God by believing in His only begotten son. Those who resisted both prophecy and truth would be bound for the lake of fire as they continued to abide by the law of Moses rather than that of Christ.
“17 Consequently, faith comes from hearing the message, and the message is heard through the word of Christ.” (Romans 10:17)
The message needed to be heard by all nations, specially Israel is that the only way to the father is through Jesus Christ. By faith in God’s only begotten son believers are promised an inheritance that will last for all eternity while anyone who challenges the fact Christ is the messiah will inevitably be destroyed of his or her own free will according to the foreknowledge of God.
“18 But I ask: Did they not hear? Of course they did: “Their voice has gone out into all the earth, their words to the ends of the world.” (Romans 10:18)
Paul describes the fulfillment of Christian ministry by which all the earth will hear the word of God. Therefore it is up to each individual to believe in the truth that is the gospel of Jesus Christ. It is up to each one among us to decide our fate, by faith in Christ or the lack thereof.
Remember, God’s judgment is not based on His love for us, which is unconditional, it is based on our live for Him and His son Jesus Christ. Ultimately it is us who choose our resting place, either with our father in heaven or in hell for eternity.
“19 Again I ask: Did Israel not understand? First, Moses says, “I will make you envious by those who are not a nation; I will make you angry by a nation that has no understanding.” (Romans 10:19)
Paul cites old testament prophecy by which he hopes the Jews would relate prophecy to actuality. Those who “are not a nation” are the Gentiles, a wide spread race initially not chosen by God but through His mercy, redeemed by faith in His son Jesus Christ.
“20 And Isaiah boldly says, “I was found by those who did not seek me; I revealed myself to those who did not ask for me.” (Romans 10:20)
Again Paul cites the prophet Isaiah mentioning the fact through the gospel the Lord would reveal Himself to all nations, to all people even those who do not seek Him.
“21 But concerning Israel he says, “All day long I have held out my hands to a disobedient and obstinate people.” (Romans 10:21)
Paul concludes this section of his letter to the Roman churches by quoting old testament scripture once last time to reiterate his point about the Jews and their decision to deny Jesus of His deity. God’s patience would eventually run out as each Israelite makes the definitive choice, heaven or hell?
The same applies to all of us today. As we hear the gospel preached to us we are called to decide between the truth which leads to eternal life, and between the lies that lead to darkness. My hope for you is that you choose wisely. Let us pray!
Father God;
We thank you for your blessings in our lives and for your servant Paul,
We praise you Lord for his wisdom and for his works through this scripture,
We ask you Lord to inspire us to use these verses in our lives
As we grow in you through the teachings of your faithful apostle.
Lord we ask you to strengthen us each day as we endure through battles,
Allow us to praise and love each other through faith in you Jesus,
Shield us from evil through truth, the gospel, salvation and prayer,
Guide us to abide by your word as we spread your gospel to one and all
Becoming examples of faith through our character as we walk the narrow path.
God we pray that you will continue to bless us, to bless our lives and fill us with hope
We ask you Lord to guide our footsteps and lead us to the way everlasting,
Through faith in you Lord we seek salvation and a place with you in heaven
According to your word, your everlasting wisdom and strength.
May your will be done
In our lives, for your life.
We thank you for your love and all you bless us with each day.
Praise God,
Amen!
This message was written by Daniel St.Pierre
Email: DanielStPierre@ThriveThroughChrist.com
