Let’s reach out to everyone.

Romans 10:21 But as for Israel He says, “All the day long I have stretched out My hands to a disobedient and obstinate people.” Remember a couple of days ago we read Rom. 10:19 where Paul raised the question, “But I say, surely Israel did not know, did they?” In this verse, he may have been referencing Isaiah 65:2 “I have spread out My hands all day long to a rebellious people, who walk in the way which is not good, following their own thoughts,” Not only did they have the voice of God speaking to them in the heavens, and had prophets sent to tell them good news, but He had shown them His works, and they still did not believe. Of course Paul is referring not to all Israel, but to those descendants of Abraham who were not recipients of God’s righteousness on the basis of faith and thus were not saved. These are the ones Paul was concerned about and for whom he would be condemned if it could lead to their salvation. Have you ever thought that you might be one of those through whom God stretches out His hand to show His mighty works? Sure, some of the ones you reach out to that God puts in your path may be disobedient and obstinate, but there may also be some that God wants to surprise. Like the woman who was homeless and seeking shelter in a YWCA. A Christian went to the YWCA to love and share Christ. When he saw her walking in the lobby, he approached her and asked if he could share with her about Jesus. She blew him and off and walked away. He was not to be denied, and followed her and continued to reach out. She turned around and headed back the other direction seeking to escape, but he still followed her and continued sharing. She went back and forth trying to get away, when he made a comment about Jesus and she stopped in her tracks, turned, and asked, “What did you say?” In a heartbeat God surprised her, opened her heart, and she heard the gospel and believed. Let this encourage us to be God’s hands and heart reaching out to those He puts in our paths to see if He wants to surprise them with His love and the gospel. Acknowledgment: Music from “Carried by the Father” by Eric Terlizzi. www.ericterlizzi.com