Scripture: Romans 2:28-29
It isn’t the Jew who maintains outward appearances who will receive praise from God, and it isn’t people who are outwardly circumcised on their bodies. Instead, it is the person who is a Jew inside, who is circumcised in spirit, not literally. That person’s praise doesn’t come from people but from God.
Thought for the Day: This is a passage that provides some insight into Paul’s understanding of Judaism. I have often reminded people that when we read the word “Jew” in the New Testament, it is important to remember that it might be referring to one of four groups: 1. A practicing Jew who has no interest in those who follow Jesus; 2. a practicing Jew who dislikes those who follow Jesus; 3. a practicing Jew who believes Jesus is the Messiah and Jesus requires us to follow all Jewish laws before becoming his followers; 4. a practicing Jew who believes like Paul that he is a Jew but through Jesus people are not required to be circumcised or follow other ritual laws before becoming a follower of Jesus. It is complicated, yet too often people mesh all four groups together under the single title: Jew. Within the context of the specific scripture, it is necessary to figure out what group is being referenced. Though Paul was the single greatest preacher of the Gospel of Jesus Christ, he considered himself a Jew until his death. He also spoke harshly against some Jews. It is complicated, yet this is a good reminder of how our culture does the same thing with a whole host of titles and identifying characteristics. Christian, Jew, Muslim, Conservative, Liberal, Southerner, Northerner, rural, urban, black, Asian, white, Hispanic, straight, gay…you get my point. These are all ways of describing someone, but one such word does not necessarily describe who the person is or his/her values. This points to the danger Paul described earlier in the chapter when he called out those who judged others. Love is not some broad generic idea, but an act that requires an intentionality – the intentional hard work of getting to know the other. And even when you may disagree with the other, you are still expected to love. This Jesus stuff is tough stuff.
Prayer: Keep me focused on your call to love, O God who first loved me. Thank you for not judging me based upon one attribute or opinion or characteristic. Amen.
JOIN TOGETHER TONIGHT
Beginning This Sunday
