We don’t have to worry about getting people lost to get them saved. God has already done that (in a manner of speaking).
27 Her house is the way to Sheol, going own to the chambers of death [aren’t we glad Jesus rescued us?].
Yesterday, we established that Jesus came to redeem us. Jesus also used the term, “ransom,” (Matthew 20:28) which was used to indicate the purchasing of slaves. We were slaves to sin and we were held in bondage to the fear of death. Jesus saved us from them both! To understand this process, let’s begin with Romans 11:32 and then work our way backwards through Romans,
32 For God has shut up all in disobedience so that He may show mercy to all.
God has always considered all of His children as equals, no matter how different things were and are in the physical world. He sees us with spiritual eyes that “divide soul and spirit, joints and marrow, able to discern the thoughts and intentions of the heart” of mankind (Hebrews 4:12). We are all on the same plane in His eyes: We are sinners in need of saving, lost children in need of rescue, and His treasures in need of restoration.
Now that we recognize that we all need a Savior, let’s look at 2:1-3,
2 Therefore you have no excuse, everyone of you who passes judgment, for in that which you judge another, you condemn yourself; for you who judge practice the same things. 2 And we know that the judgment of God rightly falls upon those who practice such things. 3 But do you suppose this, O man, when you pass judgment on those who practice such things and do the same yourself, that you will escape the judgment of God?
The judgment of God of which Paul speaks is not the passing of a sentence, but rather the meting out of mercy, the mercy mentioned in 11:32. It’s a discernment of what is needed and then applied. Now, the judgment that man uses is, indeed, condemnation, but it backfires because every man falls to the same temptations. We are all in this mess together!
I think we’re ready now to discuss 1:18,
18 For the wrath of God is revealed from heaven against all ungodliness and unrighteousness of men who suppress the truth in unrighteousness,
This “wrath of God” is God “shutting us all up in disobedience” (11:32) so that He could show mercy to us all! The description of the acts of rebellion and defiance show the depths of the Father’s love. A singing group named Philips, Craig and Dean had a song called, He’ll Do Whatever It Takes,” that says,
He’ll do whatever, whatever it takes
His grace reaches lower than your worst mistake
And His love will run farther than you can run away, my friend
He’ll do whatever, whatever it takes
He’ll do whatever, it takes
Rather than seeing “us and them,” “the saved and the sinner,” let’s see everyone as lost sheep, lost coins, and lost sons. Jesus makes the same plea to everyone,
28 “Come to Me, all who are weary and heavy-laden, and I will give you rest. 29 Take My yoke upon you and learn from Me, for I am gentle and humble in heart, and you will find rest for your souls. 30 For My yoke is easy and My burden is light.” Matthew 11:28-30
It’s all about a relationship with Jesus. Always has been; always will be.
Abba, thank You for calling me into a deep and abiding relationship with You. When people ask me how I’m doing, I think that I will respond, “I am full of joy,” or “I am peaceful,” or “I am loved.” If/when they ask me why, I will have the opportunity to share with them the wonderful news of Your mercy and grace, and the invitation for them to come and receive You and all You bring with You. I’m looking forward to it. Amen.
In the Master's Hands 