Romans 10:5-15 (NRSV)
Read Romans 10:5-15 on biblegateway.com
Verse 5Moses writes concerning the righteousness that comes from the law, that "the person who does these things will live by them." Verse 6But the righteousness that comes from faith says, "Do not say in your heart, 'Who will ascend into heaven?'" (that is, to bring Christ down) Verse 7"or 'Who will descend into the abyss?'" (that is, to bring Christ up from the dead). Verse 8But 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); Verse 9because 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. Verse 10For one believes with the heart and so is justified, and one confesses with the mouth and so is saved. Verse 11The scripture says, "No one who believes in him will be put to shame."
Verse 12For there is no distinction between Jew and Greek; the same Lord is Lord of all and is generous to all who call on him. Verse 13For, "Everyone who calls on the name of the Lord shall be saved." Verse 14But 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? Verse 15And 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!"
Devotion
As he writes to the Christians at Rome, Paul includes quotes from three different portions of the Old Testament scriptures: Deuteronomy 30:14 (verse 8); Joel 2:32 (verse 13); and Isaiah 52:7 (verse 15). The effect is to remind us of how important it is for each of us to be familiar with the whole witness of the scriptures. Being familiar with key verses is essential for effective witnessing. We live in a time when many of our friends, family members, and fellow believers do not read their Bibles enough to have that familiarity. Consequently, they do not have the word of God on “their lips and in their hearts.”
The letter to the Colossians echoes Paul’s words of encouragement in today’s reading: “And let the peace of Christ rule in your hearts, to which indeed you were called in the one body. And be thankful. Let the word of Christ dwell in you richly:” (Colossians 3:15-16)
Prayer
Heavenly Father, we are grateful for the privilege of having Bibles and being able to read your word without fear of persecution. We pray for believers around the world who do not have access to Bibles or the freedom to read their Bibles openly. May they be encouraged in their daily walk with you. In the name of your Son, Jesus Christ, we pray, Amen.