MISSING THE POINT

 

Romans 9:30-33  What then shall we say? That the Gentiles, who did not pursue righteousness, have obtained it, a righteousness that is by faith; but Israel, who pursued a law of righteousness, has not attained it. Why not? Because they pursued it not by faith but as if it were by works. They stumbled over the "stumbling-stone". As it is written: "See, I lay in Zion a stone that causes men to stumble and a rock that makes them fall, and the one who trusts in him will never be put to shame." (NIV)

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You can read the verses around this Bible passage from the Internet Bible: - in English, and many other languages

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It did not seem fair. Some Jews in Rome did not fully understand how Gentiles could be included in God's family. Previously, they had no interest in God and did not have any interest in obeying His law. Yet, although they did not pursue righteousness, God had pursued them; and those who believed in Jesus were made righteous because of His sacrifice.

On the other hand, Jews had tried to achieve righteousness through their good works; but they failed to enter God's family if they did not come through Jesus Christ. Although their treasured Torah prophesied the Christ and all He would achieve through His death, most Jews could not see it. Instead of Jesus becoming the Rock upon which to build their new lives, He became their biggest stumbling block. They could not see the provision God had made for them; they persisted in thinking that they could get right with God through their own efforts.

It is the same today. God loves everybody in the world, so Jesus was born to provide salvation to all who will believe. However, many cannot see that He is the Saviour that God provided - they think that He gets in the way of their religious tradition or personal ambitions. Some do not see because they have never heard, or had the gospel explained to them. That is why we need to tell them. Jesus' commission to the church (Matthew 28:18-20) is worldwide, and if you know Jesus, the people in your little bit of the world need to hear about Him from you. And when you travel, take the message with you! Invite people to watch www.crosscheck.org.uk and then discuss the message with them. As today's verses say, those who trust in Jesus will never be disappointed or put to shame.

Prayer:  Saving Lord. Thank You that You have not left it to me to save myself. I know I am incapable of keeping Your Law all the time. Forgive me when I have thought that I was better than others because of my pious life; I know that I am only saved because Jesus Christ died for me, and apart from Him I have no hope for this life or eternity. Please help me to tell others about Jesus and how He will save all those who come to Him. In His Name. Amen.