The God Pause Daily Devotional of The Luther Seminary in Saint Paul, Minnesota, United States for Wednesday, 2 August 2017 - Romans 9:1-5 Romans 9:1-5(Complete Jewish Bible)

The God Pause Daily Devotional of The Luther Seminary in Saint Paul, Minnesota, United States for Wednesday, 2 August 2017 - Romans 9:1-5

Romans 9:1 I am speaking the truth — as one who belongs to the Messiah, I do not lie; and also bearing witness is my conscience, governed by the Ruach HaKodesh: 2 my grief is so great, the pain in my heart so constant, 3 that I could wish myself actually under God’s curse and separated from the Messiah, if it would help my brothers, my own flesh and blood, 4 the people of Isra’el! They were made God’s children, the Sh’khinah has been with them, the covenants are theirs, likewise the giving of the Torah, the Temple service and the promises; 5 the Patriarchs are theirs; and from them, as far as his physical descent is concerned, came the Messiah, who is over all. Praised be Adonai for ever! Amen.(Complete Jewish Bible)

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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.
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.
Kyle Svennungsen, '14
Associate Pastor, St. Peter Evangelical Lutheran Church, Prairie du Chien, Wis.
Romans 9:1 I am speaking the truth in Christ--I am not lying; my conscience confirms it by the Holy Spirit--
2 I have great sorrow and unceasing anguish in my heart.
3 For 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.
4 They are Israelites, and to them belong the adoption, the glory, the covenants, the giving of the law, the worship, and the promises;
5 to them belong the patriarchs, and from them, according to the flesh, comes the Messiah, who is over all, God blessed forever. Amen. [New Revised Standard Version]

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