Daily Devotion – August 7, 2020 – The Rev. Judy Swanberg

Romans 10:5-15 (NRSV)

Moses writes concerning the righteousness that comes from the law, that “the person who does these things will live by them.” 6But the righteousness that comes from faith says, “Do not say in your heart, ‘Who will ascend into heaven?'” (that is, to bring Christ down) “or ‘Who will descend into the abyss?'” (that is, to bring Christ up from the dead). But what does it say? “The word is near you, on your lips and in your heart” (that is, the word of faith that we proclaim); because if you confess with your lips that Jesus is Lord and believe in your heart that God raised him from the dead, you will be saved. For one believes with the heart and so is justified, and one confesses with the mouth and so is saved. The scripture says, “No one who believes in him will be put to shame.”

For there is no distinction between Jew and Greek; the same Lord is Lord of all and is generous to all who call on him. For, “Everyone who calls on the name of the Lord shall be saved.” But how are they to call on one in whom they have not believed? And how are they to believe in one of whom they have never heard? And how are they to hear without someone to proclaim him? And how are they to proclaim him unless they are sent? As it is written, “How beautiful are the feet of those who bring good news!”

Devotion

“Try to love the questions.” We continue this week’s reflection along Rainer Maria Rilke’s encouraging invitation (Letters to a Young Poet, 1903). Consider your ability to love the apostle Paul’s question from today’s reading: “How can people call for help if they don’t know who to trust?” (v. 14a, MSG).

In these recent months of the Covid-19 pandemic, rising unemployment, unprecedented protests against racial injustice, and other disruptions of daily life, people are crying out all over the world. Many members and leaders of congregations are being asked to help in unexpected ways, and most feel unprepared. Yet so many desperate folks are crying for someone to help.

Still we believe that God listens and responds to those cries. As God’s people, we are called to listen and respond to neighbors in need. Even when we feel overwhelmed by such great needs, we keep trusting that God will provide more help than we can imagine.

Prayer

O Lord, help us to keep responding to those in need and to keep sharing that you are the most trustworthy helper. Amen.