Intro:

We all experience significant events, both positive and negative, which change our lives.  Sometimes it is very difficult to remember what life was like before the marker event. Do you remember what life was like before 9/11?  

On September 11, 2001, a hijacked flight crashed into the North Tower of the World Trade Center at 8:46 a.m. Another hijacked flight struck the South Tower 17 minutes later at 9:03 a.m. Those attacks are engraved on our collective memory.  

9/11 had a profound, lasting impact on the world. It is really hard for us to imagine what life was like before security checks at airports, continuous data surveillance, threats of terrorism, and the anxiety all of this engenders.

Romans 9 thru 11 address an event even more impactful and far reaching than 9/11 – the coming of Jesus Christ. World history was forever changed, but the impact of Jesus’ life, death, and resurrection was so unexpected.  

Many Gentiles had believed, yet very few Jews had embraced their Messiah. Why had this happened? How should disciples of Jesus process these unexpected consequences?  How could they put the exultation of Romans 8 together with the anguish of Romans 9?

Reflection Questions:

• Who are the family members and friends you are praying to be saved?

• Remember that God hears and remembers all your prayers.

• How is the Spirit prompting you to pray for your family members and friends today?

• To encourage you in your reflection this week, pick up your copy of the devotional brochure, “Prayer: Wellspring for Evangelism,” as you leave the service today.