Scripture to Read: Romans 9:4–5
As God allowed Paul to share his heart, we read more about what the Israelites had been given and who they were in Romans 9:4–5, who are Israelites, to whom belongs the adoption as sons, and the glory and the covenants and the giving of the Law and the temple service and the promises, 5 whose are the fathers, and from whom is the Christ according to the flesh, who is over all, God blessed forever. Amen. Paul grieved so deeply because God had blessed Israel with His presence in the temple, His covenants, His Law, and even His glory (Exodus 16:10, Exodus 24:16, Exodus 40:34). Then we’re reminded of “the fathers” (Abraham, Isaac, Jacob) and that even Christ’s earthly lineage is from the nation of Israel. We need to ensure we do not miss how God uses Paul to affirm to everyone that Christ is God. I love how the NLT lays out Romans 9:5, Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob are their ancestors, and Christ himself was an Israelite as far as his human nature is concerned. And he is God, the one who rules over everything and is worthy of eternal praise! Almost all theologians agree that the grammar in Romans 9:5 shows that it says that Christ is God. The fact that Christ is God is no surprise to most believers but needs to be highlighted here so that we do not miss how God makes this clear throughout His Word. The Israelites were given much, but we’ve been given more. May we not miss all we have in Christ.
Challenge & Application
What was the greatest Truth that God revealed to you today, and how will you apply this Truth to your life?
Christ is God, no doubt, so how will you live for Him and share Him with those who need Him?
Don’t forget to pray using the A.C.T.S. (Adoration, Confession, Thanksgiving, Supplication) method!