DAD'S RAMBLINGS -- ZEAL FOR GOD

DAD'S RAMBLINGS – ZEAL FOR GOD

"Brethren, my heart's desire and prayer to God for Israel is that they may be saved. For I bear them witness, that they have a zeal for God, but not according to knowledge. For they being ignorant of God's righteousness, and seeking to establish their own righteousness, have not submitted to the righteousness of God." (Romans 10:1-3)

One does not have to look far to see this verse in operation. We are surrounded by people who think they can by their own resources establish their own righteousness, rather than submitting to God's revealed plan.

There are entire religious denominations besides the Jews that believe that if they live good enough, knock on enough doors, or do enough missionary work, or light enough candles and say enough prayers, they will somehow become righteous enough to please God. They have a zeal for God, but zeal is not enough.

And apart from religion, I know countless people who think that if they are good enough, they can receive God's commendation for how good they are. But none of their good deeds will satisfy God's righteous standard.

They are ignorant of God's righteousness. God's righteousness can only be attained by grace, His unmerited favor. We cannot earn that favor. We can only receive it as a gift from God's unfathomable love for us. Anything else falls far short of God's requirement.

So what should be our attitude toward them? The same as the Apostle Paul: earnestly desiring that they be saved and praying for them.

I am so glad for the freedom I have in God's grace. I don't have to wonder if I have measured up to God's standard. I know I can't. But I can put my faith in the One who did live perfectly up to what God demands. The Lord Jesus Christ lived without sin, and He offered Himself as a perfect sacrifice for sin. So I rest in that assurance. Praise God for His mercy and His grace.

Loves, Dad