Countdown to Christmas – Day 20

Moses writes this about the righteousness that is by the law: “The person who does these things will live by them.” But the righteousness that is by 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 deep?’” (that is, to bring Christ up from the dead). But what does it say? “The word is near you; it is in your mouth and in your heart,” that is, the message concerning faith that we proclaim: If you declare with your mouth, “Jesus is Lord,” and believe in your heart that God raised him from the dead, you will be saved. For it is with your heart that you believe and are justified, and it is with your mouth that you profess your faith and are saved. As Scripture says, “Anyone who believes in him will never be put to shame.” For there is no difference between Jew and Gentile—the same Lord is Lord of all and richly blesses all who call on him for, “Everyone who calls on the name of the Lord will be saved.”

How, then, can they call on the one they have not believed in? And how can they believe in the one of whom they have not heard? And how can they hear without someone preaching to them? And how can anyone preach unless they are sent? As it is written: “How beautiful are the feet of those who bring good news!”

Romans 10:5-17

In the Epistle to the Romans, Apostle Paul writes with great passion out of his concern for his people. His letter to the churches in Rome is a strong plea for them to understand that their faith alone in Jesus Christ the Messiah is what will save them. He is quick to reference Moses, encouraging his people to not disregard the Torah but continue to uphold the laws written by the Lord. Paul had spent approximately ten years travelling and preaching the gospel before he wrote the epistle. His penned words were to prepare the hearts of the people to receive him and the good news he was bringing in his preaching.

Paul is firm in teaching us that it is not enough to just believe in our hearts that Jesus is Lord, but one must confess with their mouths this truth. This is because there is great power in the spoken word. We all have the ability within us to speak words of life or words of death from our very being. Our words are like tiny seeds scattering from our mouths. Where they land, the fertilize. And over time that which birthed forth will multiply. Life begets life; death begets death.

When we hear a soul profess faith in Christ Jesus, a small spark is lit within. For those whom the Spirit dwells, a rejoicing of sorts warms our heart. For those who live in darkness from the Spirit, a flicker of curiosity ignites. How can one learn of the saving grace of Jesus if they have not had the opportunity to hear of His power?

Though the first words by Mary in the gospel of Luke were a questioning of the seemingly impossible, she spoke words life scattering tiny seeds of faith when she declared that she was the Lord’s servant accepting the fate before her. May we, too, scatter seeds of faith when the circumstances of our life may not seem hopeful for there are always eyes watching and ears listening. In heaven and on earth.

Father, may I be your servant, confessing of your power, scattering seeds of faith, hope, and love for the glory of your kingdom. In Jesus name, amen.