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5 Moses writes this about the righteousness that is by the law: “The person who does these things will live by them.” 6 But the righteousness that is by faith says: “Do not say in your heart, ‘Who will ascend into heaven?’ ” (that is, to bring Christ down) 7 “or ‘Who will descend into the deep?’ ” (that is, to bring Christ up from the dead). 8 But what does it say? “The word is near you; it is in your mouth and in your heart,” that is, the message concerning faith that we proclaim: 9 If you declare with your mouth, “Jesus is Lord,” and believe in your heart that God raised him from the dead, you will be saved. 10 For it is with your heart that you believe and are justified, and it is with your mouth that you profess your faith and are saved. 11 As Scripture says, “Anyone who believes in him will never be put to shame.” 12 For there is no difference between Jew and Gentile—the same Lord is Lord of all and richly blesses all who call on him, 13 for, “Everyone who calls on the name of the Lord will be saved.” 14 How, then, can they call on the one they have not believed in? And how can they believe in the one of whom they have not heard? And how can they hear without someone preaching to them? 15 And how can anyone preach unless they are sent? As it is written: “How beautiful are the feet of those who bring good news!” (Romans 10:5-15 NIV Bible)
A video featuring a United Airlines pilot urging passengers not to be rude, nor selfish, went viral. The mood is that the whole world needs to hear that message and so those who loved the message forwarded on to others. What other message do we need to hear? What other attributes do we need to embrace? This passage speaks of the need for the world to embrace and share the call to be righteous people. As Paul shares this, he is saying this trait is needed by all people who would call themselves believers. There is no need for us to try to reach Heaven, for Heaven reached us. There is no need for us to try to descend into the other place, for Christ came among us and is still here. "The word is near you: it is in you mouth and in your heart;" meaning that's how close Jesus is to us. Paul says that all we need to do to become righteous and help others become righteous too, is to proclaim with our mouth, "Jesus is Lord. Next, our heart should believe that God raised Jesus from the dead, salvation is ours. Paul knows that is with our heart that we believe and can be justified; for we have truly professed our faith as part of our salvation. And the awesome declaration that "Anyone who believes in Him will never be put to shame." I know that from experience when I am afraid to preach a sermon that I don't feel quite right about and my prayer as I walk into the pulpit is, "Please, Loving God, do not let me be shamed for standing and preaching this sermon. I also pray that God be glorified in my words.
We reach an important theological point that Paul shares; "For there is no difference between Jew and Gentile -- the same Lord is Lord of all and richly blesses all who call on Him, for, "Everyone who calls on the name of the Lord will be saved." And here is the call for which today's devotional is called; Who will go for us and reach those who have not yet heard? This echoes Isaiah's vision in his sixth chapter of his book; angels ask, "Whom shall I send?" It is the same question asked through the ages and "sturdy dreamers" answer, "Here am I, send me!" These dreamers and seekers of righteousness hear it in their Sunday schools, their worship services, the youth meetings, camp settings, retreats, from reading the Bible and even in visions shared with them in dreams. I heard it in worship and youth group when I was in the eleventh grade. I argued long and hard with God that He had chosen the wrong one and that He meant my friend, who was taller, slimmer, and more handsome! And still, God persisted and I finally relented and surrendered my life and future to Him.
I believe my feet have always been beautiful as my wife has told me on more than one occasion, so check your feet, dear one, and see if it is you that God wants to take this life-saving message to the masses? Okay, there's humor in this as well as seriousness about the task before us to tell the world about God's love. Have you brought good news to anyone in your life? Have you shared how Jesus loves and cares for them? Or, have you been wrestling with a call from God in your life to become an ordained minister? Heed the call and trust God. God will provide!
PRAYER: Loving God, we praise and lift up Your name as we seek to find where you would best have us serve. Bless those who have heard Your call into ministry; and be glorified; in Christ Jesus we pray, amen.
Have a great and blessed day in the Lord! YOUR CALL TO ACTION: Listen to God and serve Him!
Receive my blessings of joy and hope,
Pastor Eradio Valverde, Jr.
