Description
The Universal Salvation Through Jesus Christ: A Study of Romans 15:12
In this Advent episode, we explore the profound m… (visit YouTube for more)
Transcript
The first century Jews were not expecting Gentiles to be saved in any way, but they missed what Paul picks up on in Romans chapter 15, verse 12. And again Isaiah says, "The root of Jesse will come, even he who arises to rule the Gentiles, in him will the Gentiles hope."
Isaiah spoke these prophecies, Paul’s quoting two prophecies here, a long time before Jesus arrived on the scene. And still, in that culture, the Jewish understanding was that God was for them, not for the Gentiles. The Gentiles pursued foreign gods who weren’t gods at all.
It’s so easy, isn’t it, for us to overlook the things that God has said to us, to forget what He’s said, to forget what He’s shown us. And Paul is so excellent to remind us all of this.
The Root of Jesse, that is, Jesus Christ, who through his human heritage is descended from King David, he’s coming, not only to rule the Jewish nation, which was what the Jews were hoping for and expecting, and what they got, but also to rule all the Gentiles too.
And not to rule as an oppressive, tyrannical king, but to be such a sweet, kingly Saviour, that the Gentiles would put their hope in Him. That we all would put our hope in Him.
This is what we get in this King who comes to earth as a baby, and who then dies for us. He isn’t lording it over us. He isn’t grinding us down. He is our King who is a kind Shepherd and a brother to us. This is why we put our hope in Him, Jesus Christ, the Saviour of the world.
Thank you again, God, that you offer this salvation universally. No one is excluded from the opportunity to come to you, to bow the knee, to be saved, and to receive glory and joy. Please help us to remember all that you’ve done for us at this time, and all that you’ve said. You are so good to us. Amen.
