Scripture to Read: Romans 10:16–21
As we read Romans 10:16–21, we see that God gives a loving rebuke to the nation of Israel who had chosen not to listen to God’s good news of Christ. God had Paul ask questions in Romans 10:16, 18, and 19. First, God had Paul quote a question Isaiah had asked in Isaiah 53:1, “Lord, who has believed our message?” God gives the sweet answer in Romans 10:17, faith comes from hearing, and hearing by the word of Christ. The nation of Israel, and everyone else, must hear about Christ. So, the next question is in Romans 10:18, But I ask, have the people of Israel actually heard the message? God answered and said, “Yes, they have.” Then God had Paul quote Psalms 19:4, proving His point that Israel had heard His good news. So, God had Paul ask in Romans 10:19, “Did the people of Israel really understand?” Again, God answers through Paul and says, ”Yes, they did, for even in the time of Moses, God said…” then God had Paul quote Deuteronomy 32:21 as proof that Israel did understand that God had also chosen the Gentiles to know Him and follow Him (Romans 10:20). God gives a final loving rebuke of Israel’s disobedience in Romans 10:21. The point is that the nation of Israel, and all others, are without excuse. God has made known the good news of Christ, and He continues to make Christ known to all of the nations of this world. He chooses to use us to do it.
Challenge & Application
What did God teach you today about the nation of Israel, and how did it challenge you to pay attention to what God teaches you?
How has God been using you to help those who do not know Christ to hear about Christ?
Don’t forget to pray using the A.C.T.S. (Adoration, Confession, Thanksgiving, Supplication) method!