1 Then what’s the advantage of being a Jew? Is there any value in the ceremony of circumcision? 2 Yes, there are great benefits! First of all, the Jews were entrusted with the whole revelation of God.3 True, some of them were unfaithful; but just because they were unfaithful, does that mean God will be unfaithful? 4 Of course not! Even if everyone else is a liar, God is true. As the Scriptures say about him, “You will be proved right in what you say, and you will win your case in court.”
God Is True
There’s an obvious question Paul’s Jewish readers had as they read the first two chapters of Romans: “What about God’s promises in the Old Testament? If what Paul is saying is true about the Law pointing towards the era of grace, what does that mean for us – God’s chosen people?”
Paul begins his answer by making a very strong comment. Basically, he suggests that the Jewish people have a great advantage over the Gentiles. They were entrusted with the entire story of God and people. If they just look at the story that is represented by circumcision, if they remind themselves of the full story of God redeeming his people, loving them, protecting them, guiding them, they will see clearly how the message of grace fits into the story.
In other words, the idea that the Law was fulfilled when Christ died on the cross should be obvious to the Jewish people.
And then, Paul makes a statement that is as important for us to understand today as it was during the First Century. God is true.
We live in a time when many suggest that there is no absolute truth. That truth is subjective. Each person must determine what they feel is truth. Paul’s statement smacks that ideology right in the face. There is absolute truth. It’s found in God. Truth is not subjective, it’s not based on the whim of the day, it’s not even cultural. Absolute truth is found in the Creator of all things. God and God alone. Truth is manifested through his son, Jesus Christ.
That means Jesus can be the anchor on which we base our beliefs. By securing ourselves to absolute truth, we can move out and begin to interpret and understand the events and opinions around us. Life simply makes sense when we begin with absolute truth.
My prayer: Lord, there is security in knowing that you are truth. I start my journey through life with that understanding. You are the compass, the guide, the foundation. As I commit to living a journey of discovering you and your will for my life, I realize that my journey begins with absolutes. Non-negotiables. You. Thank you for being my anchor in a world that seems to constantly shift. Amen.
Until tomorrow.
