June 7 | Romans 1:16-23
- Elaine Pierce
- 3 days ago
- 3 min read
DAILY READING
REFLECTION
The Gospel Message
By Elaine Pierce
The church in Rome was growing, but there was trouble: the Jewish Christians emphasized their Jewishness (observing the Sabbath, circumcision, eating Kosher, for example) and gentiles disagreed. How could this fractious community be united? Romans is Paul's longest and most significant writing. These verses explain that salvation is available to everyone who believes, and that we are accountable to God because he has revealed himself clearly in creation.
Paul uses the word 'gospel' 6 times in the first 17 verses of Romans 1 (The word gospel is used 93 times in the New Testament). He wants to impress upon his readers, those who worship in Rome, that Jesus is the fulfillment of God's promises, and that the 'good news' of his saving grace is available to all, Jews and Greeks alike. Yes, to all who believe!
And how do we claim this good news? Is it through our good deeds? Oh, no, oh no. We all fall far short of 'earning' God's grace. Have you ever noticed how easy it is to notice other people's bad qualities, and how blind we can be to our own weakness? Paul tells us in no uncertain terms that all of us miss the mark:
22 Although they claimed to be wise, they became fools 23 and exchanged the glory of the immortal God for images made to look like a mortal human being and birds and animals and reptiles.
Thanks be to God that he doesn't leave us there. Paul, inspired by the Holy Spirit, reminds us that God's good plan will save us from ourselves:
17 For in the gospel the righteousness of God is revealed—a righteousness that is by faith from first to last, just as it is written: “The righteous will live by faith.”
God is not trying to trick us into following him. On the contrary, his hands are open wide, and all who call on the name of Jesus will be saved. Yes, the things of this world seem so real and durable and lasting. But like the flowers in the field, they will quickly fade.
Take some time this week to examine your priorities. Ask God to fill you with a longing for him, for the Holy Spirit, and for time with Jesus. Every day my goal is to start the day by reminding myself that I am a child of God, and I thank him for life, for breath, and for the gospel. And yes, every day I fail to live a life fully dedicated to him. But there is sweet forgiveness, love and mercy when I come to him and sit at his feet. The gospel message is bold. The gospel message is powerful. The gospel message is saving. The gospel message is universal - Jews, Greeks, all of us!
PRAYER
Lord, all scripture is God-breathed and useful for teaching, rebuking, correcting and training in righteousness so that the servant of God may be thoroughly equipped for every good work. Help me this day and every day to live a gospel-filled life. Amen.
ABOUT THE AUTHOR
ELAINE PIERCE
It is a delight and joy to write Sunday's UALC Blog post. I have been a UALC member for 20+ years and I value our community of believers. I draw strength from God's Word, and it is my hope that you join me in seeking to grow closer to Him as we read, study, and pray together. I've been married to Gene for 47 years, and we have four grown children and nine grandchildren. It is an exciting time to be alive, and I count it all joy to serve him, even in the midst of challenges. To God be the glory, for the great things he is doing!