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15 And how can the message be proclaimed if the messengers are not sent out? As the scripture says, “How wonderful is the coming of messengers who bring good news!” 16 But not all have accepted the Good News. Isaiah himself said, “Lord, who believed our message?” 17 So then, faith comes from hearing the message, and the message comes through preaching Christ.

18 But I ask: Is it true that they did not hear the message? Of course they did—for as the scripture says:

“The sound of their voice went out to all the world; their words reached the ends of the earth.”

19 Again I ask: Did the people of Israel not understand? Moses himself is the first one to answer: “I will use a so-called nation to make my people jealous; and by means of a nation of fools I will make my people angry.”

20 And Isaiah is even bolder when he says, “I was found by those who were not looking for me; I appeared to those who were not asking for me.”

21 But concerning Israel he says, “All day long I held out my hands to welcome a disobedient and rebellious people.”

 

Paul is talking about the fact that the Israelites rejected the Gospel. He mentions three different occasions when the Israelites refused to believe God’s word. Time after time they turned away. God tried to save them, but they rejected him. The Israelites wanted a king that would conquer other nations not one that told them they were sinners and that if they would repent, they would find everlasting life. The Gentiles were not looking for God, but they heard God’s message and believed and they were saved.

 

Evangelism can be difficult at times. We can often feel as though we are ill equipped to spread the Word. However, it is an important part of being believers. We are children of God, sent out into the world to spread the Good News. Some people will receive our message with an open heart and mind, others will question us and some will deny our teachings. God’s wisdom is a cornerstone of our faith that we are encouraged to share. “But the wisdom that comes from heaven is first of all pure; then peace-loving, considerate, submissive, full of mercy and good fruit, impartial and sincere.” James 3:17

 

Dear God, Please open our hearts and mind to your word. Amen

 

Kris Ward

kris5124@icloud.com