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
Bishop Mark Hanson gave a Town Hall Meeting as part of our Synod Assembly in Northwest Minnesota this past May. Using Paul's words to the people in Rome, Bishop Hanson spoke with great encouragement that we turn outwards from ourselves, get on our feet and meet our neighbors to share the Good News of Jesus. While numbers concern us and rumors of a dying church are whispered, Bishop Hanson said, "Our preoccupation should not be with keeping the doors open. That's not God's preoccupation. Sharing the Good News is" (A paraphrase from Twitter). Paul teaches us that above all else, faith comes from hearing, and how will people hear, unless we get on our beautiful feet and share the Good News?
Prayer
For the saints and sinners who have gone before us who shared with us your Good News, we give thanks and praise. Turn us out of ourselves and open us towards our neighbor and the world that you so love.
Amen.