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Priscilla: Romans 15:8-13
Christ the Hope of Jews and Gentiles

8 And I say, Jesus Christ has become a minister of circumcision for the truth of God, to confirm the promises of the fathers,

9 and for the nations to glorify God for mercy, even as it has been written, “Because of this I will confess to You in the nations, and I will give praise to Your name.” Psa. 18:49

10 And again He says, “Rejoice, nations, with His people.” Deut. 32:43

11 And again, “Praise the Lord, all the nations, and praise Him all the peoples.” Psa. 117:1

12 And again Isaiah says, “The Root of Jesse shall be, and He rising up to rule the nations; on Him nations will hope.” Isa. 11:10

13 And may the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace in believing, for you to abound in hope, in power of the Holy Spirit.

[Literal Translation of the Holy Bible]

Dear God, my beloved Father, today I offer to You my reflection on Your Word in Romans 15:8-13, concerning Christ being the hope of Jews and Gentiles.

Dear God, I understand that verse 8 means that the Lord Jesus Christ was a minister of circumcision, as He was born an Israelite, the people who had a covenant of circumcision with You, God, and He preached the Gospel of salvation to the Israelites. Circumcision was a sign of faith and commitment to the covenant that You made with their father Abraham.

Dear God, I understand verse 9 to mean that You, God, have made Your mercy available to all people on earth. Anyone, regardless of their nationality, who believes in Your salvation will receive the same spiritual blessings as Israel and will have the same hope in Christ as the people of Israel.

Dear God, I understand verses 10 and 11 to mean that Your great mercy is not limited to the people of Israel. Because of Your love for humanity, You have given the gift of salvation and forgiveness of sins to anyone who genuinely believes in the Gospel of the Lord Jesus Christ. You have welcomed non-Jewish people into Your salvation and made them one with Israelites in Your church. Therefore, the Gentiles praise and glorify You for Your mercy that has been poured out on them, and they share in the spiritual blessings and joy with Israelites.

Dear God, I understand verse 12 to mean that from the line of Jesse, You will raise up a ruler over all nations forever. The Ruler of all nations and peoples is the Lord Jesus Christ, and all will put their hope in Him, living in peace in His kingdom forever.

Dear God, I understand verses 13 and 14 to mean that those who are truly Your people must have confidence in Your faithfulness. For You have given Your promises to those who have faith in You. Only those who wholeheartedly place their trust in You, entrusting their lives completely to Your care, will be abundantly blessed with hope. When they face trials and challenges, they will not worry, fear, or lose faith, for they have hope in You. They stand firm in faith, waiting for Your promises, and they will receive abundant strength from the holy spirit of God [1]. Your Word teaches, “but the ones waiting for Jehovah shall renew power; they shall go up with wings as the eagles; they shall run and not be weary; they shall walk and not be faint” (Isaiah 40:31).

May the assurance, peace, and joy of You always cover my daily life. I thank you, Father. Amen!

In the grace of Jesus Christ, my Lord.

Priscilla Christian Huynh
04/12/2023

[1] Please note that when the term “holy spirit” is used without a definite article in Greek, it refers to the power and life coming from God and should not be capitalized.