tracing the flow of thought

"The miracle of the loaves"
Unidentified, 3rd century, Vatican museum

Romans 9, continued
For Sunday August 3, 2008
Proper 13

It's so important when reading Scripture to be able to trace the author's flow of thought. This is particularly true in Romans chapters 9 through 11. So here is one outline of the flow of thought in Romans chapter 9:

• God’s promise was never to the entire Jewish race but rather to those he has eleced from among the Jewish race (9:1-10)
• This doesn’t make God unjust, but rather merciful and compassionate (9:11-18)
• The above facts do not release us from accountability for our own actions (9:19-21)
• God’s focus is to make the riches of his glory known to his objects of mercy (9:22-29)
• This focus is playing out in God’s relationship with both Jews and Gentiles (9:30-33)

The so what here is this: we believers are objects of mercy whom God is committed to bless with the riches of his glory. This ought to have tremendous implications for our self-image; our priorities; and our vision for our families, churches, and careers. Live today as an object of God's mercy to whom is being known the riches of God's mercy. It will do you good.

what's Israel got to do with it?

Romans 9:1-5, ff.
For Sunday, August 3, 2008
Proper 13

After all the excitement of chapter 8, why does Paul turn to consideration of his fellow Jews in chapter 9? Is it because of his grief over their rejection of the salvation which he has found? This is part of it. But there is a more pressing question which is of great import for all of us: does God keep his promises? God made many promises to Israel, yet now Israel had rejected God and God has seemingly rejected Israel. Might this also mean that God could also reject Christians, the new people of God? (Olyott, p. 113)

God has not rejected any of his promises nor will he ever. The key to resolving the apparent tension is understanding the difference between earthly Israel and true Israel. Look at v. 6: "It is not as though God’s word had failed. For not all who are descended from Israel are Israel."

As believers, we can be assured that God will keep his promises to us, just as we can be assured that he has and will keep his promises to Israel. Developing a deeper understanding of both of these things means paying close attention to Paul's train of thought as it unfolds from chapter 9 through chapter 11. Stay tuned.

more than conquerors

Jacob, Georges De La Tour (1625 - 1650)

Rom. 8:26-39
For Sunday, July 27, 2008
Proper 12

As Christians we are called and intended for lives of peace, confidence, and victory. This passage provides numerous reasons that this is the case. As believers we are "more than conquerors" because . . . :

• The Spirit intercedes for us to a depth that words cannot express (v. 26)
  
• God causes all things to work together for our good (v. 28)
• We are predestined to experience God's glory (v. 29)
• God the Father sacrificed his own Son out of his love for us (v. 32)
• Christ Himself intercedes for us at the Father's right hand (v. 34)
• Nothing can separate us from the love of Christ (v. 36) or the love of God (v. 39)

This is a call for us to put away doubt, fear, anxiety, and double-mindedness. Let us give ourselves completely today to the love of God which has proclaimed that we will indeed be more than conquerors.