Here’s one of the things that struck me from the Scripture we read with Pastor Lincoln last Sunday as he launched us into our Summer study of Romans chapters 9-11.
They are Israelites, and to them belong the adoption, the glory, the covenants, the giving of the law, the worship, and the promises. To them belong the patriarchs, and from their race, according to the flesh, is the Christ, who is God over all, blessed forever. Amen. Romans 9.4-5
Pastor Lincoln summarized Romans 9.4-5 this way … Paul recounts all of God’s blessings to the Israelites – not just some of the blessings God had bestowed on the Jewish people but all of His blessings to them.
I’m wondering if this isn’t a list every believer can claim … Here’s where my considerations took me as I sought the Lord … Scripture leaves no room for doubt! I pray you will find comfort and assurance amongst these passages.
The adoption (as sons and daughters)
For all who are led by the Spirit of God are sons of God. For you did not receive the spirit of slavery to fall back into fear, but you have received the Spirit of adoption as sons, by whom we cry, “Abba! Father!” Romans 8.14-15
The glory (God’s glory revealed to Israel) … God has revealed Himself in His glory in His Son and continues to show us His majesty in His works of creation from the beginning to our now.
Jesus is the all-encompassing expression of God’s glory … The Word became flesh and dwelt among us, and we have seen his glory, glory as of the only Son from the Father, full of grace and truth.” John 1.14
The heavens declare the glory of God, and the sky above proclaims his handiwork. Psalm 19.1
The covenants – God’s promises to save them
Therefore remember that at one time you Gentiles in the flesh … remember that you were at that time separated from Christ, alienated from the commonwealth of Israel and strangers to the covenants of promise, having no hope and without God in the world. But now in Christ Jesus you who once were far off have been brought near by the blood of Christ. Ephesians 2.11-13 (emphasis added by me)
The giving of the law – We are promised a new covenant, not like the covenant God made with the Jewish fathers which they did not honor or keep but rather …
“For this is the covenant that I (God) will make with the house of Israel after those days, declares the Lord: I will put my laws into their minds, and write them on their hearts, and I will be their God, and they shall be my people.” Hebrews 8.10 (quoting Jeremiah 31.33)
Jesus revealed Himself as the mediator of a new covenant in Matthew 26.28 “… for this is my blood of the covenant, which is poured out for many for the forgiveness of sins.”
Therefore he (Jesus) is the mediator of a new covenant, so that those who are called may receive the promised eternal inheritance. Hebrew 9.15
The worship (the privilege of worshiping God NLT)
Make a joyful noise to the LORD, all the earth! Serve the LORD with gladness! Come into His presence with singing! Know that the LORD, he is God! It is he who made us, and we are his; we are his people, and the sheep of his pasture. Enter his gates with thanksgiving, and his courts with praise! Give thanks to him; bless his name! For the LORD is good; his steadfast love endures forever, and his faithfulness to all generations. Psalm 100
Personal note – The five verses that make up Psalm 100 are worth committing to memory. Reminding ourselves it is our privilege to worship our Lord and Savior; not just on Sunday but every day, with our whole hearts.
The promises – fulfilled!
We bring you the good news that what God promised to the fathers, this he has fulfilled to us their children by raising Jesus. Acts 13.32-33
The patriarchs (Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob)
Paul addresses the patriarchal connection just a few verses beyond the beginning of Romans 9 …
This means that it is not the children of the flesh who are the children of God, but the children of the promise are counted as offspring. Romans 9.8
I encourage you also to read the thoroughly astounding declaration of Abraham as spiritual father of both believing Jews and believing Gentiles (non-Jews like me) in Romans chapter 4 – Abraham’s parentage is of faith not flesh!
The Christ! Sent by God the Father to rescue those who would believe …
“For God so loved the world, that he gave his only Son, that whoever believes in him should not perish but have eternal life. For God did not send his Son into the world to condemn the world, but in order that the world might be saved through him.” John 3.16-17
If you are still with me here, I am grateful! The blessings of the Lord upon His people will continue to be front of mind as we continue in Romans. Choosing to trust Scripture about God’s plan and purposes is our first best choice.
Recounting God’s blessings with you, Colleen