Romans 15:9-12 (MSG)
…For instance:
‘Then I’ll join outsiders in a hymn-sing;
I’ll sing to your name!’
And this one:
‘Outsiders and insiders, rejoice together!’
And again:
‘People of all nations, celebrate God!
All colours and races, give hearty praise!’
And Isaiah’s word:
‘There’s the root of our ancestor Jesse,
breaking through the earth and growing tree tall,
Tall enough for everyone everywhere to see and take hope!’
Paul looks forward to what could be if the insiders of his day (the Jews) welcomed the outsiders (the Gentiles). He sees promised in scripture a world united in worship, regardless of race, nationality or colour, like a strong tall tree with many branches growing out of the root of Jesse, the father of King David, from whom of courser Jesus is descended. It doesn’t take much imagination does it to see beyond the historic divide between Jew and Gentile to see the contemporary divide between Christians and non-Christians. Wouldn’t it be wonderful if we could experience some of this today!
Spirit, help us to become a welcoming family, reaching out with the great news about Jesus so more can find hope in him.
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