ROMANS 9
I am speaking the truth in Christ—I am not lying; my conscience bears me witness in the Holy Spirit— 2 that 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 brothers, my kinsmen 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 their race, according to the flesh, is the Christ, who is God over all, blessed forever. Amen.6 But it is not as though the word of God has failed. For not all who are descended from Israel belong to Israel, 7 and not all are children of Abraham because they are his offspring, but “Through Isaac shall your offspring be named.” 8 This means that it is not the children of the flesh who are the children of God, but the children of the promise are counted as offspring.
– Romans 9:1-8
ROMANS 9 GOD’S WORD NEVER FAILS
A poem by ILMA inspired by these verses
As believers in Christ Jesus, we are given God’s word
It is through his word that we overcome the world
God’s word never fails; it keeps us protected from wickedness
Cling to it always so you can stay in the path of righteousness.
In this letter, we hear Paul have anguish over some of his brothers and sisters in Christ. It sounds like he is suffering sorrowfully for those who have become lax with faithfully following the path of righteousness. He is urging the believers in Rome to press in God’s truth which says that the children of God are those that he has counted as his elect.
Just because they are Israelites, it doesn’t mean that they are automatically saved. He uses the term “children of the flesh” which could be those who think they are saved just because they are Israelites, but do not keep their end in following the covenant stipulation of God.
Paul reminds the believers in this letter that those who keep the covenant promise between Abraham and his offspring will be the ones who will be counted children of God.
REFLECTION
- Why is it important for us to hunger for God’s word regularly?
