Universalist

Daily Reading: Romans 10

Scripture Focus: For the Scripture says, “Everyone who believes in him will not be put to shame.” For there is no distinction between Jew and Greek; for the same Lord is Lord of all, bestowing his riches on all who call on him. For “everyone who calls on the name of the Lord will be saved.” (Romans 10.11-13)

Devotional Thought: "There is no distinction..." Recently, all my kids and grandkids were in. While all thirteen of us were together, the flu decided to pay us a visit as well. While not all of us got sick, I did note that there was no distinction between generations, genders, or genetics. Flu is an equal opportunity sickness!

Sin, too, is an equal opportunity sickness. The Bible says all have sinned. That's the bad news. The good news is this: "Everyone who calls on the name of the Lord will be saved!" All generations, genders and genetics (races) are eligible for God's forgiving grace.

Paul's concern with the Romans was that there were those who thought that Greeks/Gentiles had to become Jews in order to follow Christ. "Nope," Paul said, "you just need to call on the name of Jesus; you just need to believe in him..." That's good news, isn't it? I don't have to be of a particular social class, political party, income amount, level of education or ethnic group to believe in and to call upon the name of the Lord. He is Lord and Savior of all the world. He will bestow the riches of his salvation on me if I call on him. While the offer is universal, however, salvation itself isn't. I must call upon him, trust in him and receive him. If I do that, I am assured that I will be saved.

Prayer: Lord, thank you that I am within 'saving distance' of you. Your arm is not short that it cannot save. And, all my loved ones and friends are also able to be saved. May the Holy Spirit speak to them, convict them of sin, and give them grace and faith to call upon you. Amen.

Psalm of the Day: Psalm 20.6-9

6 Now I know that the Lord saves his anointed; he will answer him from his holy heaven with the saving might of his right hand. 7 Some trust in chariots and some in horses, but we trust in the name of the Lord our God. 8 They collapse and fall, but we rise and stand upright.

9 O Lord, save the king! May he answer us when we call.