Romans 11:29-32 … “for the gifts and the calling of God are irrevocable.” vs. 29
Paul was explaining to his Roman readers that the disobedience of the Jews had not separated them from the love of God. Just as Gentiles, in spite of their disobedience, had been shown the mercies of God, so it was with the Jews. His careful arguments to that effect are likely not of much interest to us, but his conclusions bring a mind-boggling word of grace some twenty centuries later. Just think of it: “the gifts and the calling of God are irrevocable.” There is nothing we can do to get out of the mission that God has given us in Christ Jesus. No matter how we’ve lived, or how far away from the church we may have strayed, God’s abundant love and forgiveness is still ours. The cleansing power of the waters of baptism can never be taken away. All the gifts that the Holy Spirit has stored up for us still belong to us–they remain an integral part of our portfolios in spite of the ups and downs of daily living. They are a constant, and are always at our disposal. If we’ve lost touch with God, or somehow feel disconnected from Jesus, we can begin the relationship again at any moment and in any circumstance. The Christ who dwells within every one of us is ready, willing, and able to shine light and show love–and does so regularly even in spite of ourselves. We are so blessed–and it’s all grace!
Thought for the Day: How can a person be discharged from God’s service?
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