For I am not ashamed of the Good News, for it is the power of God for salvation to everyone who trusts—to the Jew first and also to the Greek. Romans 1:16, TLV

Ready and Willing. And Not Ashamed.      The Roman believers began “independently” of the Jewish emissaries from Jerusalem. Prior to the new congregation of Roman believers, there was a significant Messianic Jewish [Jews who believe in Jesus] community living in Rome.

Perhaps, there were those who returned from the best Shavuot (Pentecost) the Jewish people had ever attended in Jerusalem, as changed people.

Just maybe — and I believe most likely — these excited souls heard Peter’s message (Acts 2) and returned as “unofficial emissaries.” They shared with their Roman friends, their Jewish friends, and family. The Messiah came! For the Jew and the Gentile!

So, Paul’s letter to the Romans is different. It covers a broad scope of teaching that both digs deeper into the “mystery” — that the set time had come for the nations to be redeemed — and gives practical insights into living a Biblical life. Especially for the non-Jewish believers, because, well, they grew up with some pretty strange and scary pagan rituals and beliefs.

“His invisible attributes—His eternal power and His divine nature—have been clearly seen ever since the creation of the world, being understood through the things that have been made. So people are without excuse—” Romans 1:20

To Paul, God’s presence was everywhere. Clearly visible in creation. But, let’s face it, to someone who worshipped statues, it wasn’t obvious. That meant Paul had to start from scratch with the non-Jewish souls.

Today’s verse is basic, and a lesson for us all. The Good News message that Father God loved us so much, He sent His Son to die for us (John 3:16). To atone for our sins (Hebrews 2:17). Now, we can be His redeemed children. Children of the King of the Universe.

But because we live in an unredeemed world who won’t acknowledge their King and their Prince, we have our work cut out for us. It begins with being proud of the Gospel — Jewish and Gentile souls alike — and live in the joy and peace that is our reality. A great place to begin, yes?

Think More About It

Are you ready and willing? Is the Good News something you are proud of?

Until tomorrow, may we be willing and ready.

Praying for Israel

Of David.
To You, ADONAI [LORD] I lift up my soul.
O my God, in You I trust,
so I will not be ashamed,
and my enemies will not gloat over me.
Surely no one who waits for You will be ashamed.
But the treacherous without cause will be ashamed. Psalm 25:1-3[1-2], TLV

I just watched a reel of a group of the returned hostages who were speaking with Whitkoff, one of the envoy of President Trump to the Middle East. What was precious was listening to the returnees say that their goal now since returning to their families is to, “spread love.” They were grateful and wanted to demonstrate that gratitude by showing love. My heart.

So, as we pray today let’s pray that they will continue to live in a place of gratitude and that they will not be ashamed of what was done to them. Amen? God bless you.