"I Was Made Manifest Unto Them That Asked Not After Me - Part 1213

"Brethren, my heart's desire and prayer to God for Israel is, that they might be saved. For I bear them record that they have a zeal of God, but not according to knowledge. For they being ignorant of God's righteousness, and going about to establish their own righteousness, have not submitted themselves unto the righteousness of God."

Strong words for sure. Herein, apostle Paul is sharing his heart's desire - his prayer -- that Israel would be saved. Remember, Saul (who later became Paul as a consequence of meeting Jesus on his way to Damascus) was well educated and as such, understood the precepts under old covenant law.

But apostle Paul, previously known for his persecution of anyone who called on the name of Jesus, was also saved by grace, under the current new testament dispensation, in which we are sanctified through the Word, and the shedding of His precious blood on the cross. Therefore, when the apostle wrote, "For Christ is the end of the Law for righteousness to every one that believes," he understood the reason why too.

That is, "for Moses describes the righteousness which is of the Law [as] the man which does those things shall live by them." (Romans 10:5)

But the righteousness which is of faith -- the righteousness that comes because of His untold love for you and I -- speaks on this wise, "Say not in thine heart, Who shall ascend into heaven?" (that is, to bring Christ down from above), or, "Who shall descend into the deep?" (that is, to bring up Christ again from the dead), But what saith it? "The Word is nigh thee, even in thy mouth, and in thy heart. That is, the Word of faith, which we preach." (Romans 10:6-8)

Say that again! That is, the Word of faith, which the apostles preached to everyone they encountered in their day to day. "That if thou shalt confess with thy mouth the Lord Jesus, and shalt believe in thine heart that God hath raised Him from the dead, thou shalt be saved." (Romans 10:9)

The Lord Jesus. Thy Word that was with God and is God, from the beginning. (John 1:1-18) The same Word that became flesh and dwelt among us. The same Word who healed the sick, cast out demons, raised the dead, and preached the good news gospel.

How do we know? Because when Jesus died on the cross, the veil was ripped from top to bottom. God had declared peace once and for all to mankind through His obedience on the cross. The same God that was in the world and the world made by Him but the world knew Him not. This is the Israel that Paul was grieving for -- the same Israel that failed to recognize that the Word was made manifest to them, but they did not recognize the One and Only King who was and still is both Lord and Christ. (Acts 2:36)

Still, God in Christ Jesus came to save those which are lost. He came to save His people from their sins. Even those who were noted scripturally as ignorant of God's righteousness, and seeking to establish their own righteousness because He loved each and every one of us while we were yet sinners.

"For with the heart man believes unto righteousness; and with the mouth confession is made unto salvation. For the scripture saith, "Whosoever believeth on Him shall not be ashamed." (Romans 10:10-11)

And then the apostle elaborated, writing: "For there is no difference between the Jew and the Greek, for the same Lord over all is rich unto all that call upon Him. For whosoever shall call upon the name of the Lord shall be saved." (Romans 10:12)

But here is the clincher. We have a responsibility to declare the good news gospel of Jesus Christ to those around us. Just like Paul, and the other disciples who pressed into Jesus for their guidance and knowledge.

"How then shall they call on Him in whom they have not believed? And how shall they believe in Him of whom they have not heard? And how shall they hear without a preacher? And how shall they preach, except they be sent? As it is written, "How beautiful are the feet of them that preach the gospel of peace, and bring glad tidings of good things!" (Romans 10:13-16)

Still, as sad as it is, they have not all obeyed the gospel. For Esaias saith, "Lord, who hath believed our report?" So then faith comes by hearing, and hearing by the Word of God.

But Paul said -- "Have they not heard? Yes. verily, their sound went into all the earth, and their words unto the ends of the world." But I say, "Did not Israel know? First Moses saith, "I will provoke you to jealousy by them that are no people, and by a foolish nation I will anger you." But Esaias is very bold, and saith, "I was found of them that sought Me not; I was made manifest unto them that asked not after Me."

But to Israel He saith, "All day long I have stretched forth My hands unto a disobedient and gainsaying people." (Romans 10:21)

It is no wonder apostle Paul's hearts desire and prayers were for Israel that they would some day come to the knowledge of Jesus the Christ, and His salvation message. If you do not believed you are saved today, repent and be baptized in the name of the Lord Jesus Christ for the remission of sins and receive His gift of the Holy Ghost. (Acts 2:37-42)

Then press into Jesus by reading the new testament. Study to show thyself approved, as doth a workman. Pray continually that your faith and understanding may be increased. Proclaim the gospel of Jesus boldly. Stand in the offering plate.