December 22nd - Reflection

Romans 10:5-13 (NRSV)
The word is near you
Moses writes concerning the righteousness that comes from the law, that "the person who does these things will live by them." But 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."

Reflection
How easy could God have made it for everyone. Believe and be baptized. God comes near to us and draws upon us so closely that his Word is on our lips and in our hearts. God sets it all up so that we really don't have to put any effort into salvation at all. Jesus has done all of the salvation we will ever need. Do you believe that? Let the Word flow from your lips and out of your heart. It's already there after all, God made sure to put it there. Let it flow and let the Spirit of God flow through all your actions in life.

Believe and be baptized...it's all that simple for you and me. But what a price Jesus paid for this! Call on Jesus and see for yourself. Thanks be to God!

Prayer
Lord, bless the thousands that will come to baptism this season that all my believe. --- Amen