Romans 10:5-15 (NRSV)
Read Romans 10:5-15 on biblegateway.com
Verse 5Moses writes concerning the righteousness that comes from the law, that "the person who does these things will live by them." Verse 6But the righteousness that comes from faith says, "Do not say in your heart, 'Who will ascend into heaven?'" (that is, to bring Christ down) Verse 7"or 'Who will descend into the abyss?'" (that is, to bring Christ up from the dead). Verse 8But what does it say? "The word is near you, on your lips and in your heart" (that is, the word of faith that we proclaim); Verse 9because if you confess with your lips that Jesus is Lord and believe in your heart that God raised him from the dead, you will be saved. Verse 10For one believes with the heart and so is justified, and one confesses with the mouth and so is saved. Verse 11The scripture says, "No one who believes in him will be put to shame."
Verse 12For there is no distinction between Jew and Greek; the same Lord is Lord of all and is generous to all who call on him. Verse 13For, "Everyone who calls on the name of the Lord shall be saved." Verse 14But how are they to call on one in whom they have not believed? And how are they to believe in one of whom they have never heard? And how are they to hear without someone to proclaim him? Verse 15And how are they to proclaim him unless they are sent? As it is written, "How beautiful are the feet of those who bring good news!"
Devotion
With our long, snowy northern Wisconsin winters, people go cross-country skiing a lot. People of all ages enjoy the beautiful winter woods on their skis.
You often see parents and their toddlers on skis. The child stands between the adult’s legs, shuffling his or her feet while the parent does most of the work. “Look, Mom, I can ski! Dad, am I a good skier?” The whole family gets to enjoy the beauty of winter.
When it comes to redemption, we get to be like those kids. In The Message, the apostle Paul says, “You’re not ‘doing’ anything; you’re simply calling out to God, trusting him to do it for you. That’s salvation” (Rom. 10:9). We live from God’s strength. We wouldn’t get far without it. Call out to God. God will uphold you, allowing you to do things you can’t even imagine doing by yourself. Trust God to send you out and bring you safely back.
Prayer
Dear God, we call out to you! Hold us up. Show us what we can do with you. And while we are doing it, keep us safe and bring us home again. Amen.