Zeal with Knowledge

Daily Reading: Romans 10

Scripture Focus: For I bear them witness that they have a zeal for God, but not according to knowledge. For, being ignorant of the righteousness of God, and seeking to establish their own, they did not submit to God's righteousness. (Romans 10:2-3)

Devotional Thought: In the previous chapter Paul wrote, “Behold, I am laying in Zion a stone of stumbling, and a rock of offense; and whoever believes in him will not be put to shame,” (v33). The Jews - a zealous people, but without a knowledge of Christ - stumbled over the stumbling stone, as was foretold, and God’s salvation was then offered to the Gentiles as well (Acts 28:27-28, also see Romans 11:11).

The Jewish people (as a whole) failed to recognize their long-awaited Messiah. Some saw and believed and were saved. Israel rejected the Cornerstone because they did not have the eyes to see Him for who He was. We may wonder how that is possible, when all of the prophecies pointed to Jesus, but without awakening from the Holy Spirit, all spiritual wisdom is folly (1 Cor. 2:14).

We may have people in our lives that lack the ability to accept spiritual wisdom. What seems clear to us is not at all clear to them. Often, these people think that their beliefs line up with the Christian faith, but they are “ignorant of the righteousness of God” and seek to “establish their own,” (v3). They may think there are other paths to God and heaven other than Christ, but any other path requires complete and perfect adherence to the Law (which is impossible for anyone to obtain).

What to do in this situation? There is only one option, and it is exactly what Paul did for the Jewish people: pray. Pray for a movement of the Holy Spirit, for without that man does not accept the things that come from the Spirit of God. Pray for open eyes and open ears, that they might finally see and understand the gospel of Christ.

Jenny

Prayer: Lord, we are burdened in our hearts to see zeal without knowledge and spirituality without Christ surrounding us. We submit these friends and loved ones to you, Lord, and ask that you would move in their hearts, that your Spirit would give them the spiritual understanding that they need to become your children.

Psalm of the Day: 1 The LORD is my shepherd; I shall not want. 2 He makes me lie down in green pastures. He leads me beside still waters. 3 He restores my soul. He leads me in paths of righteousness for his name's sake. 4 Even though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I will fear no evil, for you are with me; your rod and your staff, they comfort me. 5 You prepare a table before me in the presence of my enemies; you anoint my head with oil; my cup overflows. 6 Surely goodness and mercy shall follow me all the days of my life, and I shall dwell in the house of the LORD forever. (Psalms 23:1-6)