Daily Bread 3-25-19
Romans 2:9-11
9. Tribulation and anguish, upon every soul of man that doeth evil, of the Jew first, and also of the Gentile;
10. But glory, honour, and peace, to every man that worketh good, to the Jew first, and also to the Gentile.
11. For there is no respect of persons with God.
ref. - v9. - 1 P 4:17 - For the time is come that judgment must begin at the house of God: and if it first begin at us, what shall the end be of them that obey not the gospel of God.
v10 - 1 P 1:7 - That the trial of your faith, being much more precious than of gold that perisheth, though it be tried with fire, might be found unto praise and honour and glory at the appearing of Jesus Christ:
v11 - Dt 10:17 - For the Lord your God is God of gods, and Lord of lords, a great God, a mighty, and a terrible, which regardeth not persons, nor taketh reward:
In our calling to God and salvation we can go many different directions but only one will lead to glory, honour, and peace. There is nothing we can do to "pay off" our iniquities nor is there any blood or heritage that can keep us from the almighty judgment of God. The scripture does state that the Jew first will be judged, this meaning the ones who know better will first feel the disappointment and guilt that comes with the committing of sin. They will also feel the first fruits of the blessing. Why? Doesn't that seem like respect of persons? No, through understanding we will know the difference sooner and the respective reward will be sooner. We have a great opportunity to not be a man or woman of understanding on the outside but on the inside. Circumcision of the inside rather than the outside. An inward Jew rather than an outward one. This meaning that we have the Spirit of Jesus Christ in us rather than just the appearance of holiness. But make no mistake, wrong will be wrong, and right will be right. We will not receive lighter punishment or lighter blessing than anyone else no matter what or who we are. You see there are only two rewards, in the end, that God will put on us at judgment. Heaven or hell. The blessing or the curse. This is why we must strive to take advantage of this great opportunity that God has given us in Jesus Christ. We must actually be transformed in the Spirit rather than just conforming in the body to that of a Christian. God loved us enough to give us Jesus. Let's love him back by surrendering to him and submitting to the guidance of his Spirit. No one is going to "sneak by" or get in through any other door than Jesus Christ. So let us follow closely behind our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ and end up on the good side of eternity. God is good!! Have a great day!!!