This morning I read Romans 9 for my devotions, which to some may appear to be all about predestination or election. So, rather than make this theologically uncomfortable for everyone to read, I have decided to take a little different route based on what God really showed me and reminded me of this morning.
Paul does a great job of explaining how God chose the Israelites to be his people, but that did not mean that they were all children of God. In verse 6 he says, "For not all who are descended from Israel belong to Israel." Many Jewish people would flash there descent from Abraham as a symbol of their relationship with God, but Paul makes it clear later that God's favor only carried with those who came from Isaac, Abraham's promised son through Sarah. He states in this verse that true membership into God's people is based on faith, and not on physical ancestry.
This is GREAT news for people who understand God's grace. I'm not claiming to understand it fully, because God is teaching me so much, and I know about as much as a child in my faith; but God has reminded me of something truly incredible this morning. My acceptance by the Creator of all the universe is not based on how much money my family makes, where I was born, who my grandparents were, what football team I like, my political views, and it is certainly not based on anything I have done to try and be "good enough" for God; but it is solely based on faith in the fact that God loves me, ad sent his son to take the punishment for the crimes of treason and idolatry against Him. This is GREAT news because the same is true for ALL people. Not just the people who have their life together, or who were born in the south, or for people who are good enough. But EVERYONE. When Jesus gives an invitation to follow him in John 3:16, he says "For God so loved the world that he gave his only Son, that WHOEVER believes in him should not perish, but have eternal life." When he says whoever believes he means every single person who believes.
In a society where everything we do has qualifications or prerequisites, Jesus offers us something different. You may make a sports team because you perform well enough, or may land a job because you went to a good school, or you may get into a country club because you make enough money; thankfully this is not the case with Jesus. The only prerequisite for being a follower of Jesus is admitting the truth: that we don't have it all together, that there is nothing we can do to save ourselves from the punishment we deserve, that our life will fall apart and leave us feeling empty without Jesus, that we have no greater purpose than to serve him, and we need his grace to live a life worthy of the sacrifice he gave to save us. It's based on faith in the One who created us to save us from ourselves, and the judgement we have earned.
I am so thankful for grace today, and even more grateful for the people God has placed in my life who have brought me back to him, our out my rebellion and selfishness, time and time again. I am thankful for the cross, because it is enough for a sinner like me to be accepted by a holy and righteous God. I am thankful for love today.
If you've just read all of this and are confused, upset, or curious about anything I have said, please email me! I'd love to talk with you, even if we disagree, I'd love to hear your take on anything I have said.
Please be praying for focus for me today, I'm working on a big project that will take me a long time to complete, and I need diligence and a good work ethic to do it well. Please be praying for rest, as I haven't been sleeping well, and I'm waking up exhausted most mornings. Today I'm praying for CCF as they get closer to kick-off for Go Week, and as some of my dearest friends leave for resident retreat. May it be a time of rest, and preparation for the work God is calling you into at one of the biggest missions fields he can call us to.
I miss everyone in Florida, eat a Publix Sub for me if you get the chance!
John 3:30
-Daniel
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