Today's Passage - Romans 3:1-4

River of Life Christian Church ︳www.rolcc.net/english Romans 3:1-4   "What advantage, then, is there in being a Jew, or what value is there in circumcision? Much in every way! First of all, the Jews have been entrusted with the very words of God.  What if some were unfaithful? Will their unfaithfulness nullify God's faithfulness? 4 Not at all! Let God be true, and every human being a liar. As it is written: 'So that you may be proved right when you speak and prevail when you judge.'" Many people may ask why we have to remember the Jews in our prayers and bless them. The main reason is that God's salvation came to us through them. That doesn't mean the Jews are better than we are. In fact, they have been disobedient throughout the whole history of redemption. They were judged strictly by God due to their disobedience. Many of them were struck down and put to death in the wilderness. And God gave them over to their enemies to be captured and put on exile for almost two thousand years. The Jews didn't receive any special favor even when they were chosen by God as the vessel of salvation. Therefore, God didn't play favoritism. Everyone needs to receive the salvation of Christ by faith. The Jews are no exceptions. Paul once said that the Word of God first came to the Jews, which stands for not only the words from God, but also the incarnation of Jesus Christ. God chose them as the vessels of salvation, through whom we are blessed. Therefore, we need to bless the Israelites spiritually so they won't be forsaken even when they are the channels of salvation. In Genesis 12:1-3, God told Abraham: "Go from your country, your people and your father's household to the land I will show you. I will make you into a great nation, and I will bless you; I will make your name great, and you will be a blessing.I will bless those who bless you, and whoever curses you I will curse; and all peoples on earth will be blessed through you." God's promise to Abraham is filled with God's blessing to his descendants, who are the Church today. Needless to say, the Jews are more of Abraham's descendants, who are beloved by God. Therefore, we need to always lift our hands to pray for the Jews and bless them, especially for the peace of the Middle East.   The Bible teaches us to pray for the peace in Jerusalem, so we can be blessed. May the Lord help us to keep His kingdom in our heart, so that we may pray for not only our own blessings and blessings to China, but also blessings to the Israelites.                                                          Pray with Pastor Tong           Lord, we pray that peace be with the Israelites. May the Lord have mercy on them, and soften their hearts so that they can receive your great love. May your blessings come not only to them, but also to us due to our obedience to You. We thank you and we pray in the victorious name of Jesus, amen!