Romans 9:1-5 (NRSV)
Read Romans 9:1-5 on biblegateway.com
Chapter 9I am speaking the truth in Christ-I am not lying; my conscience confirms it by the Holy Spirit- Verse 2I have great sorrow and unceasing anguish in my heart. Verse 3For I could wish that I myself were accursed and cut off from Christ for the sake of my own people, my kindred according to the flesh. Verse 4They are Israelites, and to them belong the adoption, the glory, the covenants, the giving of the law, the worship, and the promises; Verse 5to them belong the patriarchs, and from them, according to the flesh, comes the Messiah, who is over all, God blessed forever. Amen.
Devotion
There's no doubt that Paul believed in a gospel for all people. The good news of Christ was for all people. Here Paul does a unique thing, something way ahead of his time. He is writing some of the first criticism in response to anti-Semitic thinking in the world, especially among Christians. He's calling out his own people for being exclusive about God's love through Christ. I once heard a pastor describe Paul as a closet Universalist, meaning Paul truly believed in the salvation of all. But Paul probably knew it didn't matter what he thought anyway, since that was God's job. He did know that it was his job to share that gospel with all people because it was for all people. May we do the same, and trust that God is in control of all the hard decisions we have no business or ability to make.
Prayer
Covenantal God, teach us to share the promises you have made with your creation. Empower us by your Spirit, that we may boldly proclaim the gospel of Jesus in this time and place. Amen.