ENCOURAGEMENT FOR THE DAY

rust in the Lord, or Trust in Man?

Romans 9:30

What then shall we say? That the Gentiles, who did not pursue righteousness, have obtained it, a righteousness that is by faith...

Thoughts for Today:

A few years ago I was invited to attend the Masters Golf Tournament as the guest of one of my clients. I was picked up at the airport, driven to a home rented for the week, shown to my room, and given tickets to every event. I walked the entire course, following various groups of the finest golfers in the world. As I ate a pimento and cheese sandwich with an iced tea, I watched the legends of golf navigate the hazards of famed "Amen Corner". What a treat it was! And I had done nothing myself to organize or plan the event. It was not something I pursued, I simply showed up.

In our passage today, Paul tells us: "the Gentiles who did not pursue righteousness, have obtained it." Just like my trip to the Master's -- we (the Gentiles) have simply showed up to claim the righteousness of God through faith in His Son Jesus. What a glorious blessing we have received.

 

What is really interesting about the analogy I used to illustrate Paul's point today is that both require faith. One requires confidence in my client that he would make good on his commitments (ranging from pick-up at the airport, through providing tickets to each event), while the second requires trust in the Creator of the universe to make good on His promise of forgiveness and eternal life. Who do you think will ultimately prove more dependable? Man's promises or the Lord's? What has been your experience?

 

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