Scripture
25 Circumcision has value if you observe the law, but if you break the law, you have become as though you had not been circumcised. 26 So then, if those who are not circumcised keep the law’s requirements, will they not be regarded as though they were circumcised? 27 The one who is not circumcised physically and yet obeys the law will condemn you who, even though you have the written code and circumcision, are a lawbreaker.
Reflection
A Jewish person at that time would have read this and then immediately spit out what they were drinking! How could Paul even say that a Gentile can be equal to a Jew, even if that Gentile were living according to God’s laws? Even worse, be the one who condemns the Jew. Here you begin to see God’s plan unfold and it’s much bigger than just the salvation of the Jews. As humans, we often fall into the trap of looking at things with tunnel vision. As Christians, we look at our faith the same way, through a tunnel, just our own personal faith and our sphere of influence and miss out on seeing God’s entire plan of salvation. The Jews felt this way too. But God’s plan is bigger even than just the salvation of people. He is intending to redeem the entire world; everything from art, nature, people to even abstract things like philosophy, words and relationships! God’s salvation is not just for people, but the ENTIRE world, the things in it, the galaxy and the universe! (Josh)
Thoughts for the day
- What does this passage tell us about salvation?
- What do you feel God is telling you through this passage?
- What is one way you can apply this truth to your life today?
- Who can you encourage with this story/message?
Prayer
Pray for the spiritually lost among the global community in Shanghai; pray that they will be drawn to God by the Holy Spirit.
