Wednesday, July 12, 2023  

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Today’s Scripture Reading 
Romans 10:4–17

For Christ is the end of the law so that there may be righteousness for everyone who believes. Moses writes concerning the righteousness that comes from the law, that “the person who does these things will live by them.” But the righteousness that comes from faith says, “Do not say in your heart, ‘Who will ascend into heaven?’” (that is, to bring Christ down) “or ‘Who will descend into the abyss?’” (that is, to bring Christ up from the dead). But what does it say? “The word is near you, on your lips and in your heart” (that is, the word of faith that we proclaim); because if you confess with your lips that Jesus is Lord and believe in your heart that God raised him from the dead, you will be saved. For one believes with the heart and so is justified, and one confesses with the mouth and so is saved. The scripture says, “No one who believes in him will be put to shame.”

For there is no distinction between Jew and Greek; the same Lord is Lord of all and is generous to all who call on him. For, “Everyone who calls on the name of the Lord shall be saved.” But how are they to call on one in whom they have not believed? And how are they to believe in one of whom they have never heard? And how are they to hear without someone to proclaim him? And how are they to proclaim him unless they are sent? As it is written, “How beautiful are the feet of those who bring good news!” But not all have obeyed the good news; for Isaiah says, “Lord, who has believed our message?” So faith comes from what is heard, and what is heard comes through the word of Christ. (NRSV)

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Reflection
Paul’s letter to the Romans is a rich and layered text, containing some of the most profound distillations of his theology and Christology. Our passage today is no different — highlighting the centrality of professing our faith in Jesus and proclaiming that God’s salvation is offered to all.

As I read this passage, though, I was struck by the New International Version’s translation of Romans 10:8 — “The word is near you; it is in your mouth and heart” and found myself unable to let it go. Paul is quoting Deuteronomy 30:14 here, when Moses addresses the Israelites as they prepare to finally enter the land to which God has been leading them. It was not enough to know God’s law; the people were meant to live and breathe it, putting it into practice as they entered this new day together.

Jesus was once asked by the Pharisees in Luke 17:20–21 when the kingdom of God is coming: “The kingdom of God is not coming with things that can be observed”, he responds, “nor will they say, ‘Look, here it is!’ or ‘There it is!’ For, in fact, the kingdom of God is among you.”

Paul is well known for emphasizing faith over works, but that did not mean he was uninterested in how followers of Christ lived their lives — any look through his letters shows quite the opposite! Instead, the two were almost inseparable for Paul: the faith we profess is what inspires and guides us — and God’s Word remains ever near us, on our lips and in our hearts.

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Prayer
Holy God, may your Word ever be on my lips and always within my heart as I seek to witness to you and your love in my daily living. Amen.

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Written by Matt Helms, Associate Pastor for Children and Family Ministry

Reflection and Prayer © Fourth Presbyterian Church

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