BY: Pastor Bob Miller
CHAPTER READ: Romans 9
SCRIPTURE SELECTED: Romans 9:30-32
30 What then shall we say? That the Gentiles, who did not pursue righteousness, have obtained it, a righteousness that is by faith; 31 but the people of Israel, who pursued the law as the way of righteousness, have not attained their goal. 32 Why not? Because they pursued it not by faith but as if it were by works. They stumbled over the stumbling stone.
OBSERVATION:
God in His mercy has provided a Salvation that comes through faith and not works. Those who insist on earning their salvation through their own effort and who want to impress God with their good works rather than by simply receiving God’s Salvation through faith will be disappointed and will miss their goal. It is those who recognize that they need a Savior and are willing to stop striving and begin trusting in Jesus, that will be saved.
APPLICATION:
We must not let our “goodness” get in the way of what God wants to do in and through us. The moment we say: “God, look at what I’ve done for You!” is the moment we start to stumble. We are far closer to the heart of God when we say: “God, I need You every hour, I need You”. When we recognize our need, we are far more open to receiving God’s grace than when we are trying to impress Him.
PRAYER:
Lord, I’ve been richly blessed by You on so many levels. As I grew up, I had a family that took me to Church and that loved me and taught me about You. At an early age, I sought Your forgiveness and invited You into my heart. You have led me and nurtured me and have shown Your love to me. What a privilege and joy it is, to tell others about Your love and grace and mercy which is given freely to all! Amen