Issue 8 - Day 3

Romans 9

Romans 9:31-33

31. But Israel, which followed after the law of righteousness, hath not attained to the law of righteousness.
32. Wherefore? Because they sought it not by faith, but as it were by the works of the law. For they stumbled at that stumblingstone;
33. As it is written, Behold, I lay in Sion a stumblingstone and rock of offence: and whosoever believeth on him shall not be ashamed.

Why is it so difficult to to the things we know to be right? In the world's eyes, and even in the church, anyone who fails to do what people call 'right' is judged by society. In the riots last year straight away the finger was pointed as youths who rebelled against the authorities causing millions in damage, and at their parents for their failure to bring up their children in the right ways. We are a world riddled with expectation to match certain standards and those who fail, if not ashamed themselves, are seen as shameful by others.

Jesus turned the world upside-down. The world finally saw a man who had never done anything wrong, who had kept every law, who was perfect in every way, and it just made them angry, because they realised that no matter how hard they tried it was impossible to match up. Then to make matters worse he tells them, "It is not enough to just not do wrong, but even thinking of it is sin!" No wonder this was a stumbling block, they just could not handle it at all. Thankfully believing on Christ will lift that shame.

Are you still trying to be worthy by your own efforts? Don't stop, as we are saved so that we can do good works, however know that it is Christ and him alone that makes us worthy of anything. What of your friends and relatives? Paul was heartbroken at the lack of faith of Israel, we need that same heart to see our friends and families turn to follow Christ.