Paul continues explaining his ministry to the Gentiles with serious implications for “everyone who calls on the name of the Lord”:
“How then will they call on him in whom they have not believed? And how are they to believe in him of whom they have never heard? And how are they to hear without someone preaching? And how are they to preach unless they are sent? As it is written, ‘How beautiful are the feet of those who preach the good news’” (Rom 10:14-15; Isaiah 52:7).
Calling on the name of the Lord requires belief in the Lord. And belief in the Lord requires hearing about the Lord. And hearing the word of the Lord requires preaching. And preaching requires someone having been sent for that purpose.
“But they have not all obeyed the gospel. For Isaiah says, ‘Lord who has believed what he has heard from us?’ So faith comes from hearing, and hearing through the word of Christ” (Rom 10:16-17; Isaiah Chapters 52 – 56).
Over the next day or so, take some time to soak in what Paul is saying. Imagine that you are an Israelite there in the crowd listening to him. You have been trained in the Law of Moses and the Prophets since childhood.
When Paul quotes Isaiah 52:7, you immediately know the broader source of that quote: five entire chapters that invoke the coming Messiah in great detail! Take half an hour and read these chapters as an Israelite would. If nothing else, these words will elevate your soul today!
Can there be any doubt that centuries before, Isaiah was telling them literally and in detail about Jesus and no one else? Paul continues affirming that they heard indeed:
“But I ask, have they not heard? Indeed they have, for ‘Their voice has gone out to all the earth, and their words to the ends of the world’” (Rom 10:18; Psalm 19:4).
Yes, they heard it as early as the first Psalms! Strike one!
“But I ask, did Israel not understand? First Moses says, ‘I will make you jealous of those who are not a nation; with a foolish nation I will make you angry’” (Rom 10:19; Deut 32:21).
Yes, they should have understood all the way back to Moses! Strike 2!
“Then Isaiah is so bold to say, ‘I have been found by those who did not seek me; I have shown myself to those who did not ask for me’” (Rom 10:20; Isaiah 65:1).
Deuteronomy, Psalms, Isaiah – peppered throughout the Old Testament!
Strike 3?
“But of Israel he says, ‘All day long I have held out my hands to a disobedient and contrary people’” (Rom 10:21; Isaiah 65:2).
Paul says, “Instead of a wicked 100 mile per hour fastball, here is a slow underhand toss – hit it!”
Strike 3, you’re…IN, not OUT!
If you choose. It is up to you.
Paul has presented the ancient history and its consistent calling of the Israelites to Jesus, their Messiah. In Chapter 11, he addresses their present condition – the remnant of Israel.
Until next time, think deeply about those in our culture who are the remnants of non-believers. And ask whether, therefore, God has rejected them. (Hint: Strike 3, you’re IN!).
Hurry back to Streamside Unity!