Devotion - Thursday, February 28

The next section of Romans can be difficult for modern readers.  It is Paul's attempts to show the uselessness of "The Law" with regard to seeking salvation.

In Romans 2:12-24, Paul builds the argument that if you seek to live by the law, then you must be prepared to accept the law's pronouncement.  We are most likely to want to point out those aspects of the law which make us look good, while ignoring those aspects of the law which call our actions into question.

The law says we are forbidden to covet.  In response, we hold our tongue and are never heard to say, "I want for my own those cute boots worn by Cindy."  But when we realize that our flip phone doesn't allow me to SnapChat, we begin the process of convincing our parents it is time for an upgrade.

The law says we are not to kill.  In compliance, we never hold a gun in our hand, point it at an innocent neighbor, and pull the trigger.  But we spend $10 on a late night run to Cookout; the same amount it would cost to buy a mosquito netting to prevent a child in Sudan from contracting malaria. 

If we are going to use the law to say of ourselves, "I follow what God asks of me," then we had better be ready to have another look at our adherence and give a second opinion.

Paul tells us that the law can never justify us.  He helps us to see that we must depend on something other than our own efforts.  Becoming "a guide to the blind, a light to those who are in darkness, a corrector of the foolish, and a teacher of children" starts with realizing that it is God's goodness and grace which allow us to live the life God would desire for us.

This section of Romans will continue to serve as our readings over the weekend.  I encourage you to complete chapter 2 and read chapter 3.  Meditate on what they are saying.  We will resume on Monday, with Chapter 4.