We often describe James as very
eager. He is zealous and passionate about so many things! However, he often
needs redirected. 😊
Last week we saw how Paul grieved (in the first part of chapter 9)
over the Jews’ lack of belief. Here, he continues to share his heart’s desire
and prayer for their misdirected zeal.
Romans 10:1-4 Brothers and sisters, my heart’s desire
and prayer to God for the Israelites is that they may be saved. 2 For I can testify
about them that they are zealous for God, but their zeal is not based on
knowledge. 3 Since they did not know
the righteousness of God and sought to establish their own, they did not submit
to God’s righteousness. 4 Christ is the
culmination of the law so that there may be righteousness for everyone who
believes.
(Romans 9:31-32 but the people of Israel, who pursued the law as
the way of righteousness, have not attained their goal. 32 Why not? Because they pursued it not by faith but
as if it were by works. They stumbled over the stumbling stone.)
Paul says Israel pursued righteousness by the law instead of by
faith and submission to God. They were zealous, but not with the right focus!
Do you know anyone who is eagerly and passionately striving for
something you know they will never attain or master? Maybe they have the wrong
focus. Maybe it’s a kid with a particular sport. Maybe it’s a teen or adult
pursuing a relationship that won’t turn into anything or won’t satisfy like
they think.
What are you and I zealous about? If we eagerly and
passionately pursue God through faith in Christ, our zeal won’t be wasted. He will
give us lasting satisfaction!
Alice
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