Sometimes we get caught up in the details and miss what’s right in front of our faces. I have always wondered what will happen to the Jews, God’s “chosen people” if they don’t accept Jesus (one of their own) as God’s son? That isn’t for me to worry about. God chooses who he will choose. Their destiny is in his hands.
Paul seems to be a little distraught about his fellow Jews, as well, in today’s passage. Experiencing “bitter sorrow” and “unending grief” doesn’t sound particularly pleasant. Paul is not in a happy place to be sure. He is probably not alone, and he is addressing that “elephant in the room” to his audience in Rome. We, too, can look around at our brothers and sisters and be saddened that some of them aren’t followers of Christ. But today’s passage goes deeper than this. What is it saying to you?
I always come back to this truth – God is God, and I am not. God has a master plan for each of us. How we get there looks different for each of us. You might think of it as going on vacation. If we wanted to go to the ocean for the weekend, we could take a number of different routes to get there. In the end, we would be on the beach having a great time. The path we took would really not matter. So long as we get to the beach (return to Jesus) we’ve arrived.
That’s a super simple example, but eternity with our creator is like the beach. God has given each of us, the Israelites
Well, that’s up to God. God chooses who he wants. He empowers those he chooses for the tasks he wants to have accomplished. All we need to do is be open and listening for His call on our lives.
I don’t know about you, but when I read of how God called Abraham, Moses, Noah and even Jonah, I want an encounter like that. I’m ready, send me, I think to myself. But, do you know what? God has called me. He has sent me. I’m in Mexico. That reality was NEVER on my radar. When I imagined retirement, it was not leaving behind everything that is familiar.
So I wait. I wait on God to reveal his plan to me so I can execute. He chooses when. He chooses how. Maybe what I’m doing right now is already part of that great plan or paving the way for what is coming. My job is to trust. That’s your job, too.
So today’s reading is focused on Abraham, his descendants, the call on their lives. “This message shows that God chooses people according to his own purposes; he calls people, but not according to their good or bad works.” We, then, need to be ready. How do we fit into God’s plan? Ask: “What is God’s purpose for me?”
Let’s pray. Lord, your ways are good and your mercy endureth forever. I really struggled with this passage today. It looks like the whole chapter is going to be tough. So give me the insight to see and share what it is that you want for me and my friends to hear from you. I thank you that you are the one in control of my life. I trust you are working to bring it all into perspective. I am growing closer to you every day and look forward to my final destination with you one day when my work for you on earth is finished. Use me to shine your light today. In Jesus’ name. Amen.
