In the continuation of our Global Broadcast series from Romans 9-11, Ariel reminds us that Paul’s teachings are filled with quotations from the Tenach (Old Testament). Often, the short quote is just the tip of an iceberg of revelation to be discovered in the biblical text. To enrich our Bible study, we are encouraged to go back to that text, and read the verses in their original context.
This week, we continue in the 2nd half of Romans 10. The Apostle continues to remind us that in the midst of the grand theological explanations of how God’s word to Israel and the nations is being fulfilled in unexpected—but prophesied--ways, every word first finds its fulfillment in the Gospel preaching, sending and hearing that Yeshua of Nazareth is LORD and Messiah.
In verses 13-18, Paul makes the following points:
V. 18, based on Psalm 19: All of God’s speech, from His creation of the heavens and earth forward, is condensed in the Gospel message of Yeshua’s life, crucifixion, resurrection, and ascension to the right hand of the Father.
V. 14-15, based on Isaiah 52:7. The Good News (evangelion in Greek; b’sorah in the Hebrew of Isaiah) must be proclaimed! Just as God speaks creatively and decisively, so we as His children are to be speakers, preachers, proclaimers of the most powerful and transformative message in the universe.
V. 15, based on Isaiah 52:7. This speech, this preaching requires the willingness to be SENT out. We are not just to pray and wait for the hearers to come to us. The Holy Spirit is constantly leading us to move with our feet, as it were (it could be online or by telephone!), to reach out to those who need to hear the Gospel.
V. 17, with Galatians 3:1-6, and Acts 14:8-10. What is the “hearing of faith?” What is it not? When the Gospel is proclaimed successfully, it produces a response in the listener called, “the hearing of/with faith.” This is the simple faith that can receive the message for healing, deliverance and salvation.
Our message is clear. We are called to proclaim it. We are sent into the world with it. And, the POWER of it regenerates and brings life, even eternal life!
WATCH today. Let’s proclaim it TOGETHER!
