What About Them?

As I look out my apartment window, I see the rooftops of homes, people walking along the sidewalks, and cars zooming down the streets. I think to myself: There are so many people out there, more than I can even count. Do they know Jesus? Maybe they’ve heard of him, but do they really know who Jesus is? Have they experienced the life-changing transformation of the Holy Spirit? 

Romans 10:13 says, “everyone who calls on the name of the Lord will be saved.” Isn’t that amazing? Paul writes this to the church in Rome to remind them that racial identity plays no part in God’s salvation; he shows no partiality (2:11). God chose to show mercy and compassion to people because he is good, not because of anything we’ve done. It’s because he loved the world that he sent Jesus to die on the cross for our sins. Eternal life is given to whoever believes in him. 

If you believe, salvation is for you.

With COVID-19 restrictions, especially where I live, it is easy to be preoccupied with our individual journeys with God. Jesus died for me. How should he love me so? Amazing grace, how sweet the sound, that saved a wretch like me. Please don’t get me wrong. It is good to remember the grace God has lavished on us individually, to spend one-on-one time with the Father, Son, and Spirit. But how often do we consider those who don’t believe? 

Paul’s concern in today’s passage is for them, for those who have stumbling blocks in their way, whose faith is in the law of man instead of Jesus who came to free us from the law (10:4). With a salvation so glorious, a Savior so magnificent, a Father who demonstrates both love and justice to perfection, we have every reason to share the gospel with others.

Jesus’ love is irresistible. If you’ve put your faith in him, I hope you recognize the powerful gift you have that is readily available for those around you.

This song came to mind as I was writing this devotional. I hope it encourages you.

What mercy was revealed, what selflessness and peace,
My fate was surely sealed until he rescued me
His pardon for my sin, his bounty for my need
From slavery and shame I am redeemed
And Heaven can’t contain the glory of the Son
Jesus is the Christ, the saving One
His love has made a way, the grave is overcome
Jesus is the Christ, the saving One
Anyone who calls upon his name, they will be saved.   Father, thank you for the mercy you’ve shown to me. Give me a heart of compassion for those who don’t know you yet. Help me, by your Spirit, to live in a way that attracts people to you and leads those around me to put their faith in you.

Throughout This Day: Ask God to bring to your mind people who may not know Christ — friends, the bus driver, the grocery clerk, etc. Pray for them by name.