A man's indebtedness is not virtue; his repayment is. Virtue begins when he dedicates himself actively to the job of gratitude.
Ruth Benedict (1887-1948, American anthropologist)
Romans 15:25-27
Now, however, I am traveling to Jerusalem to serve the saints; for Macedonia and Achaia were pleased to make a contribution to the poor among the saints in Jerusalem. Yes, they were pleased, and they are indebted to them. For if the Gentiles have shared in their spiritual benefits, then they are obligated to minister to Jews in material needs. (HCSB)
When you read Paul’s writings and even in today’s scripture you find and important word that Paul uses, and that word is obligation. Why does he use this word so much? It is because he saw Jesus, he knew the Word of God, and all of the Messiahs promises were then secured before him and were within his grasp, and he felt he owed a debt.
Paul sees God reaching out and redeeming the Gentiles through his ministry, he is watching the fulfillment of scripture and he is asking all of those around to make an investment in the Christ. Paul collects money from Gentiles to reach out to the poor among the Jews who had missed the coming of the Messiah, using this key, hoping to open their eyes to Jesus.
We too are indebted, and I’m afraid sometimes that we invest to much in buildings and not enough in the lost of this world. The church mainly operated in homes and open places then, and it left the resources open for the use of the Gospel to reach those really in need, not just of food, but of a visit with Christ. We are obligated and we are indebted to Him, He gave His all for us, we cannot do less…God’s Blessings.
Pastor William
Ruth Benedict (1887-1948, American anthropologist)
Romans 15:25-27
Now, however, I am traveling to Jerusalem to serve the saints; for Macedonia and Achaia were pleased to make a contribution to the poor among the saints in Jerusalem. Yes, they were pleased, and they are indebted to them. For if the Gentiles have shared in their spiritual benefits, then they are obligated to minister to Jews in material needs. (HCSB)
When you read Paul’s writings and even in today’s scripture you find and important word that Paul uses, and that word is obligation. Why does he use this word so much? It is because he saw Jesus, he knew the Word of God, and all of the Messiahs promises were then secured before him and were within his grasp, and he felt he owed a debt.
Paul sees God reaching out and redeeming the Gentiles through his ministry, he is watching the fulfillment of scripture and he is asking all of those around to make an investment in the Christ. Paul collects money from Gentiles to reach out to the poor among the Jews who had missed the coming of the Messiah, using this key, hoping to open their eyes to Jesus.
We too are indebted, and I’m afraid sometimes that we invest to much in buildings and not enough in the lost of this world. The church mainly operated in homes and open places then, and it left the resources open for the use of the Gospel to reach those really in need, not just of food, but of a visit with Christ. We are obligated and we are indebted to Him, He gave His all for us, we cannot do less…God’s Blessings.
Pastor William
1 comment:
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