Reflection for Monday, Mar 3, 2008

Romans 9:30-10:4

I'm not sure if this is cheating but I cannot do the reflection without skipping ahead a few verses.

The beginning of Chapter 10 has Paul praying that the Israelites will be saved. When discussing the Israelites Paul mirrors the criticisms that Jesus had of the pharisees. Namely, that they were too focused on the letter of the law rather than God's righteousness. "they did not seek it by faith, but as it were, by the works of the law".

God had entered into a convenant with the Israelites through Abraham and Jacob and despite any shortcomings, in Chapter 11, verse 1, Paul states "I say then, has God cast away his people? Certainly not!"

Even when the Israelites don't live up to their side of the bargain, God does not cast them away. I find that very comforting because even when I fail, God will not abandon me. I think this is also the reason why I am so comforted by all the mistakes the disciples make in the gospels. I can identify with that and even though Jesus becomes frustrated with them, he still trusts them to go out and proclaim his word. If there is hoe for them even though the fall asleep, are constantly doubting, and miss the point of the parables, then there is also hope for me.

By David Mulle