Love Is The Greatest

Vehicle for faith

Romans 10:17 – “So faith comes from what is heard, and what is heard comes through the word of Christ.”

In this glorious section of Romans, Paul is telling us that salvation through Christ is for all people. The old limits we used to put on God’s love have no place in the heart or ethics of a Christian. He impresses on his friends how important it is to tell the story of Jesus so that people can awaken to their salvation (this word means wholeness, restoration, fullness, both now and eternally)by hearing the word of Christ. In other words, when we hear the story, Christ infuses it with presence and we come to trust and rely upon his grace more and more and more.

In Paul’s day few had access to the written scriptures or stories of Jesus. People had to tell each other the stories. In the telling of the story faith is aroused and life is transformed. This is one of the reasons that the scriptures are still read aloud in Christian worship services. It is one of the reasons that preachers still preach to congregations. In some mysterious sacred way, the words come alive with Christ in those moments, and kindle a life changing and durable faith.

Can you think of a time when you heard the scriptures read aloud, or preached, and you felt your faith blossom or strengthen? Do you have a favorite passage of scripture? Today, try reading it aloud. Has it been awhile since you listened to a sermon preached? If you have time, go to our YouTube channel or website and listen to one from our archives. Ask God to awaken your trust through what you hear.

Prayer: Gracious God, we thank you for the miracle of hearing the word, for your presence in our hearing, and for the faith that awakens inside of us. In Jesus’ holy name we pray. Amen.

#dailyinspiration #dailymotivation #dailydevotional