Romans 10:11-21

Be Still: Lord, open my eyes to see you and make your Word alive in me today. Amen

Read: Romans 10:11-21

'For there is no difference between Jew and Gentile—the same Lord is Lord of all and richly blesses all who call on him, for, 'Everyone who calls on the name of the Lord will be saved.' (v12-13)

Encounter: In September 2004, Oprah Winfrey, wearing a bright red suit on her talk show, surprised the audience with gifts of cars, leading to the viral 'You get a car, you get a car, everybody gets a car' meme. It didn’t matter who you were, where you worked, how much money you had in the bank, all that mattered was that you had showed up when the moment happened. 

Paul was writing into a context where there was division. The Jews were basing their salvation on following the law and did not consider the Gentiles to be part of God’s family. Paul makes the point that there is no distinction between them – salvation is freely available to all, no more barriers! They and we just need to 'show up' to Jesus, admit our sinful nature, acknowledge that he alone is Lord and Saviour – and receive his salvation gift. 

At that time, Emperor Nero was hailed as ''king of the entire world' so Paul emphasises that salvation is only through confession that Jesus Christ is Lord. To confess that Jesus is Lord, meant that Jesus was king and ruler above any earthly King.

As we read this passage let's remember that firstly, Jesus is Lord, and that everything should be submitted to him, and secondly, Jesus is the one who unites us. Differences exist among us, but we are called to be people that are united (1 Cor 12: 21) as the body of Christ. Let us commit to being a people that celebrate differences and make space so that everyone has a seat at the table. 

Apply: What areas in our lives have we not allowed Jesus to be Lord over?

In what way can I make space for more people to be welcomed to sit at God’s table. 

Devote: Lord, I confess that you are Lord over my life, my choices and my decisions. I thank you that you unite us, help us to make space to celebrate our differences and reflect unity in the church.