Romans 9:1-5 (NRSV)
Read Romans 9:1-5 on biblegateway.com
Chapter 9I am speaking the truth in Christ-I am not lying; my conscience confirms it by the Holy Spirit- Verse 2I have great sorrow and unceasing anguish in my heart. Verse 3For I could wish that I myself were accursed and cut off from Christ for the sake of my own people, my kindred according to the flesh. Verse 4They are Israelites, and to them belong the adoption, the glory, the covenants, the giving of the law, the worship, and the promises; Verse 5to them belong the patriarchs, and from them, according to the flesh, comes the Messiah, who is over all, God blessed forever. Amen.
Devotion
"... Jesus took a loaf of bread, and after blessing it he broke it, gave it to the disciples..." This passage from Matthew begins to sound familiar here in the deserted place where a great crowd was assembled. With this action by Jesus, over 5,000 people were fed. An abundance of food was made available to all in need. With the action of Jesus on the cross, all of creation is reconciled with its Creator. An abundance of grace is made available to all in need.
Prayer
Gracious Lord, we give you thanks for your abundant mercy that is poured out so freely on us. With your sacrifice, our place with the Father, who created us has been secured. With this freedom, we come before you with praise and a desire to live as you have taught us. Amen.