Becoming a Jew: "The work of Jesus in our lives"
Romans 2:29 “No, a true jew is one who’s heart is right with God. And true circumcision is not merely obeying the letter of the law; rather, it is a change of heart produced by God’s Spirit. And a person with a changed heart seeks praise from God, not from people.”
As Paul writes this chapter there seems to be this question about the judgment and justice of God in relation to those that claim to be the people of God but actually act in a different way. Paul is very clear that it is not one’s biology that makes them included in the covenant of God. Paul wants them to hear that it doesn’t matter what family they’ve been born into a true jew comes from having one’s heart right with God. In many ways, Paul is redefining what it means to be a jew…..perhaps a new testament jew. A jew is someone who’s heart is right with God and the covenant of circumcision is now tied to this change of heart that comes through the grace of the Holy Spirit. This change of heart then seeks praise from God and not from people. This is what it means to be in a relationship with God; this is what it means to be a follower of Jesus; this is what it means to be jewish.
So often we assume that because we live in the southeastern part of America that we automatically carry the title of Christian. That simply being a good ol’ southern boy incorporates us into the kingdom of God. Not only do many think this, but feel entitled to it. This entitled mentality continues to produce a complacency in the church that God will certainly judge when the time is right. But yet Paul tells us this morning that nothing could be farther from the truth and any thought that considers our geographical location or biology to be the deciding factor in making us a part of the Kingdom of God is complete blasphemy. We become followers of God, true jews, through a change of heart that comes through the grace of the Holy Spirit. It is this change that produces a jew; it is this change that makes room for Godly work to be done in the world; it is only through this change that we enter into the story of God’s redemptive plan through Jesus Christ; through this change of heart we become true jews.
Lord Jesus, thank you today for giving me the grace to seek this change of heart. I pray that you may continue to change my heart; that you may form me into your desired creation that I may be the jew you desire. Amen!
Being a jew means to be in right relationship with Jesus Christ.
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