Beautiful Word Devotional #77

I am not ashamed of the gospel, because it is the power of God that brings salvation to everyone who believes: first to the Jew, then to the Gentile.

Romans 1:16

The gospel doesn’t exclude people.

When the resurrected Jesus hung out with the astonished disciples, the question was “When are you going to restore the kingdom of Israel?”

He had spent his last three years on earth talking exclusively about the kingdom of God, how others were welcomed into it. He praised Samaritans and dignified women, and he demonstrated what outrageous love was and how open the kingdom of God is. Still, the disciples wanted to know solely about their own nation’s status in the kingdom of God.

When Jesus died on the cross, his outspread arms seemed to welcome the entire world—even the Gentiles whom the Jews disdained. The crucifixion was the most surprising act of love known to man.

And that love continues today. It welcomes you into the ragtag band of Christ followers. Rest in that today.

Lord, thank you that you have invited me into your kingdom, amen.