Accomplished

Text: Romans 10:1-4

Key verses: “Dear brothers and sisters, the longing of my heart and my prayer to God is for the people of Israel to be saved. I know what enthusiasm they have for God, but it is misdirected zeal. For they don’t understand God’s way of making people right with himself. Refusing to accept God’s way, they cling to their own way of getting right with God by trying to keep the law. For Christ has already accomplished the purpose for which the law was given. As a result, all who believe in him are made right with God” (v. 1-4).

What God said to me: Welcome back! It’s been nearly a year since you journaled in Romans. Why did you wait so long? I know you struggled to “hear” from me regarding Romans 10. But still, don’t ever go this long again without intentionally journaling the way you know best to do. I know you prayed and read my Word almost every day this past year. But I want you focused again at this high level, where I can speak to you through my Word and show great and mighty things which you do not know. Regarding this passage, Paul is gravely concerned for his fellow Israelites. He was among them. His family were Jews. He was constantly being reminded how desperate they were to please God in their way. What he was hoping they would understand is the simple fact that everything they were trying to do had already been accomplished through the person and sacrifice of Jesus Christ. All they had to do was embrace him and place their faith in him. This went against everything the Jews had been taught from birth. It meant they had to undo years of misunderstanding and erroneous doctrine. That wasn’t my fault, mind you. Had they carefully searched the Pentateuch and the prophets of the Old Testament then they would have known I was sending a Savior who would take away their sins; they would have known their righteousness was as filthy rags and that the blood of bulls and goats could never redeem them to me. But instead, they made up their own laws and rituals and beliefs, and they leaned more on those than they did on me. Paul was burdened for their spiritual condition and their eternal destination apart from Christ. Dwayne, are you burdened for the many around you who have also made up their own ideas of how to get to heaven and how to live their lives? Everyone wants peace. Everyone wants fulfillment in this life. And everyone is concerned about what lies ahead after this life has expired. My Son is the only Way, Truth and Life. Share him with someone today.

What I said to God: Father, thank You for speaking so clearly to me this morning. I am grateful for the opportunity to be here in North Carolina on this prayer and planning retreat. Please help me listen to your still, small voice and trust what You say to me during these days away. Also help me never stop seeking You with my whole heart in quiet time alone in Your Word. Forgive me when I skirt that responsibility, thinking I am too busy or already full enough of You and not desperate to hear from You. What arrogance I can show at times. I am sorry. I repent. I want to know You, in the power of Your resurrection and in the fellowship of Your sufferings. And please help me be Your light to those around me. Help me have a deep burden for the lost. Thank You for accomplishing what was needed for my salvation. May I share that love with all I can.