Subscription Lists
Word from Scotland
by Sandy Shaw
“Nothing can separate you” we read in Romans Chapter 8 , - but here in Chapter 9 it looked as though the Jews were separated from God. There is this anguish in his life. Paul had this intense desire to bring his fellow Jews to Jesus Christ. This has been called the ‘unsuccessful’ side to his ministry, which is seldom mentioned.
I wish I could become lost - that they might be accepted. I would choose to go to hell if that would get them to heaven - personally I could never say that!
Only two people have ever been able to pray like this - Moses and Paul.
The right reaction to being chosen by God is to wish to see others chosen too - and to have this concern and compassion and love. The more we appreciate being in Christ, the more keenly and sensitively do we feel the tragedy of being out of Christ.
Of course, God could never let Paul do this - there was only one person God would allow to do it – JESUS – who was cut off - rejected - crucified - that we might be received, forgiven and saved.
We come to the eight great privileges of Israel - for which we have to give thanks. They had had unique opportunities - but had turned them down.
It is like a mother preparing a special treat - and it is pushed away with upturned nose - and later given to the dogs. Jesus used this illustration regarding us Gentiles.
Verses 4 - 5 . Adoption - the glory - the Covenants - Law - Worship - Promises - Fathers - The Christ. So much. All these riches were given to The Jewish People - to one nation.
Verses 6 - 13 . God’s Choice determines who are God’s people - I am not a disciple of Jesus because I decided to follow Jesus. Jesus called me - Jesus took the initiative. The more we look back the more we see that.
Verse 6 . It is not the fault of God’s Word - but the fault of God’s people. God’s People had failed.
God excludes people - He excludes the descendants of Abraham through Ishmael - as far as The Promise goes - the promise continues through Isaac and Jacob. This is anathema to man today. However, it just happens to be true. This is why we trust God to make the right choice. Many have not always agreed with God’s choices - but they happen to be right.
1Peter 1verse 23 . The sperm – it is the seed of The Word of God which makes us God’s people. Receive the seed - embrace The Word.
Abraham’s children are not those who share his blood - but who share his faith - his obedience.
We like to choose - but we do not like God to have the ability to choose - how strange!
God is a good lover - but He is also a good hater. Your capacity to love determines your capacity to hate. Be sure you are loving the right thing and hating the wrong thing.
Every book of the New Testament apart from two were written by Jews - and each Book was written by a man who was a disciple of Jesus - baptised in The Holy Spirit - and who spoke in tongues - without exception.
Every day Israel exists is a miracle. The experts have so often been wrong. I prefer God’s Word to the experts.
Many think that The Church has replaced Israel.
If God could replace Israel with The Church - how do we know that He could not also replace The Church? Beware of falling into traps of discrediting the faithfulness of God - and undermining the security of The Church - and questioning the reliability of the Scriptures?
Israel - The Church. Over the years, which group has been more faithful to God? Be very very careful how you answer.
Verse 16 . You hear people saying - “O I’m just trying to do my best.” - “If anyone deserves to get to heaven she does.” All that is irrelevant.
When you know God has chosen you - your insecurity dissolves.
He loves you just as you are - but He loves you too much to leave you that way.
God has made His choice - and He is not going to change His Mind. You are part of His eternal plan. If we discard any of this, we will be the poorer.
Verses 14 - 15 . If you want justice, you can have it. I do not want justice - I require mercy.
Pharaoh hardened his heart seven times - God hardened his heart once. Pharaoh hardened it twice more - the Lord hardened it six times more.
If that is the way you want to go - I will help you.
Verse 19 - God knows His Business. Don’t criticise Him. People don’t usually say so directly - but they do hint that He is not fair. That can be implied.
In Chapter 10 , Paul finds it hard to believe that Israel had missed her Messiah. He almost did - he actually did - but Jesus the Messiah did not overlook him.
The theme of Chapter 10 basically is righteousness based on faith against righteousness based upon the law.
Verses 1,2 can make you most unpopular - to tell people that they need to be saved - and to tell them that they don’t know. The problem is PRIDE.
Unbelievers can become furious. Believers become humbly grateful.
Today, we remember it is God’s Choice - God’s Grace - God’s Mercy - God’s Work – and in the Name of Jesus, we give thanks and worship.
“Gracious God – our loving heavenly Father – thank You for these moments when You reveal the bigger picture – when you allow us to see what we Gentiles can find hard to see and embrace and understand. We pray for Israel and Israel’s place in the world – and also in Your eternal plan – since the days of Abraham, Isaac and Jacob – help us to see Your hand at work – graciously, mercifully, sovereignly – choosing and calling us Gentiles into Your Kingdom – through Jesus Christ, our Saviour and Lord. Amen.”
Alexander 'Sandy' Shaw is pastor of Nairn Christian Fellowship in Nairn, Scotland. Nairn is 17 miles east of Inverness - on the Moray Firth Coast - not far from the Loch Ness Monster!
Gifted as a Biblical teacher, Sandy is firmly committed to making sure that his teachings are firmly grounded in the Word.
Sandy has a weekly radio talk which can be heard via the Internet on Saturday at 11:40am, New Orleans time, at wsho.com.
Receive the newest devotional each week in your inbox by joining the "Word from Scotland" subscription list. Enter your email address below, click "Go!" and we will send you a confirmation email. Follow the instructions in the email to confirm your addition to this list.