Read: Romans 9:1-5; Genesis 12:1-2
To them belong the patriarchs, and from their race, according to the flesh, is the Christ. (Rom. 9:5)
I once told a tennis pro to string a racquet for my wife at maximum tension. He asked, “What level does she play? Does she like power or control?” He then recommended a more modest tension level. Obviously, the game of tennis is more complicated than I thought. Reading Romans is the same way—we need the context to apply it to our lives. Reading Romans from the end prepares us for the often neglected chapters 9-11. Reading the letter backwards reminds us of the context of Paul’s desire for peace and unity among diverse believers in Jesus in the midst of the power of the Roman Empire.
Ancient and contemporary people live by stories. People of a Jewish background needed to connect the Old Testament to its fulfillment in Jesus, the Messiah. Paul’s Gentile converts needed a fresh education in the story of Israel, which culminates in Jesus Christ. Romans 9-11 is the story of the gracious election of the people of Israel, which culminates in the new community of God—the Roman house churches of the first century and the disciples of Jesus today.
In today’s reading, Paul turned to the “weak”—the Jewish believers—and affirmed that his plan for peace among the Jesus followers began with the privilege of Israel’s election by God. We, too, have been blessed by God (elected) so that we can be a blessing to others.
As you pray, give thanks for God’s electing grace. Pray that your church be a blessing to others.
Kent Fry is a retired pastor and visiting research fellow at the Van Raalte Institute in Holland, Michigan. He and his wife, Joyce, are active members of Second Reformed Church in Zeeland, Michigan. Kent is an active cyclist, and he and Joyce enjoy time with their children and grandchildren.
