Open Your Heart to Hear and Receive the Word of Christ
Scripture Passage: Romans 10:16-21 (NASB)
16 However, they did not all heed the good news; for Isaiah says, “Lord, who has believed our report?” 17 So faith comes from hearing, and hearing by the word of Christ.
18 But I say, surely they have never heard, have they? On the contrary:
“Their voice has gone out into all the earth,
And their words to the ends of the world.”
19 But I say, surely Israel did not know, did they? First Moses says,
“I will make you jealous with those who are not a nation,
With a foolish nation I will anger you.”
20 And Isaiah is very bold and says,
“I was found by those who did not seek Me,
I revealed Myself to those who did not ask for Me.”
21 But as for Israel, He says, “I have spread out My hands all day long to a disobedient and obstinate people.”
SUMMARY
Paul explains that faith comes from hearing. Israel heard the gospel and understood it, but they continued to reject the truth and disobeyed God. Despite their disobedience, God spread out his hands and waits all day long for them to return to Him.
REFLECTION AND MEDITATION
Israel heard the gospel and had the knowledge of the gospel, but they were not willing to accept it. They have no excuse and no one to blame but themselves for failing to be saved. They rejected the truth and instead focused on the law of righteousness and relied on works. But God is faithful and compassionate. He loves the people of Israel so despite their rejection, He spreads out his hands and waits for them to return.
This passage made me think about how sad and hurt God must’ve been. He loves them so much. He doesn’t give up on them but waits for them to return. I, too, heard the gospel many times and was even stirred emotionally at times, but it wasn’t until many years later through Grace of God when my heart finally opened to hear it.
I realized how important it is to be prepared in my heart to hear the word. Without it, all the noises of the world will block from hearing the truth and receiving God’s blessing.
APPLICATION
I am often in a rush to get to Sunday service and do my daily QT. I will prepare my heart by listening to praise songs and being still before reading the word or listening to sermon. I will also remember to be patient when praying for other’s salvation especially family, remembering how long it took me to finally hear the gospel and that God waits for them.
PRAYER
Thank you, Jesus, for reminding me how important it is to have the right attitude and heart to hear your message and receive your blessings. Please help me to prepare my heart whenever I am about to receive your word with care and conviction. Please also help me to be patient and persistent when praying for salvation for family members. In Jesus name I pray, Amen.
Please share your personal meditations on this Scripture passage with the HolyWave community in the comments section below. (We reserve the right to moderate comments.)