Romans 4

Isn't it interesting how time can get away from us?  It's been a busy but fulfilling weekend around here.  My husband's birthday was Saturday and as that is also my Sabbath, no computer for me.  I meant to get on here Sunday, but was busy cleaning, trying to get ready for the tree.  Which, btw, the living room is still not ready! LOL, of course. So here it is Monday and I have 2 chapters in Romans to discuss.  So I will get right down to it!

Romans 4

I liked this chapter. The promises that Paul gives us are a real foundation to understanding God's love for us.

Rom 4:7-8 "Blessed are they
                      whose transgressions are forgiven,
                      whose sins are covered.
                   Blessed is the man
                      whose sin the Lord will never count
                            against him."
Paul quotes these two verses from Psalms 31:1,2.  I love how David is also talking about our sins being forgiven and covered.  In both Psalms and here in Romans, both writers are discussing how we are credited righteousness through faith, not works.  It is by believing we are given this, not doing alone.  Paul goes on to confirm that this promise is for all people, not just the Jewish nation.  He talks about Abraham and how through Abraham's experience it is proven that it is belief and all men, not works and just the Jewish people.  Gen 15:6 says that God had "credited him with righteousness, because he believed".  Not because he performed or did. Paul quotes that verse as well.  But he also reminds us that God told Abraham he would be the father of many nations.  He also reminds us, that we are all children of Abraham.  While I really liked verses 7 and 8, My favorite verses in this chapter are Roman 4:23-25 which says, "The words "it was credited to him" were written not for him alone, but also for us, to whom God will credit righteousness - for us who believe in him who raised Jesus our Lord from the dead. He was delivered over to death for our sins and was raised to life for our justification."  I guess what I like is that Paul is backing up what he is preaching with the Bible.  He isn't just spouting off, he proved it.  I love that.  I also really liked the part about his death and life.  I hadn't thought of it that way, and was comforted by his words.

I was going to give you my impressions of 5 as well, but as that set of verses goes so well with my final 2 chapters in Having a Mary Heart in a Martha World, I will post it separately.  I also wrote a poem, I hope you will enjoy.

I also still need to write up my thoughts on the book of Job.  It was well worth the time and meditation.  God is really leading me in new directions and I am both dreading parts of the journey and really looking forward to it.  Kind of like a ride on a roller coaster.  I personally hate them, but have been told of the almost scary excitement that comes with the anticipation and fulfillment of the ride.  Well that is how I feel about this journey.  But I keep reminding myself that nothing truly good has ever come easy.  Until next time...