June 25-27, 2010
Romans 9
Pastor Michelle Hoverson
Perhaps you have been somewhere and realized that only a panoramic photograph could capture the splendor of the moment. You might take three or four pictures carefully, then lay them side-by-side to depict the scene for family and friends.
Keep that in mind when reading Romans 9-11, since the Apostle Paul has painted a panoramic portrait of Israel over those three chapters - Israel’s privileged past, sad present and promising future.
In Romans 9, Paul reviewed many wonderful privileges that God gave Israel:
- Adoption, which was greater than physical birth
- How God came into their midst in the temple
- Covenants God made with the patriarchs
- Protection that came with the Law
- Blessings of obedience that God made evident
Yet why did Paul express a burdened heart for his people in verses 1-3? It may have been the same reason that Wayne Huizenga, Jr.’s mother was burdened for him.
Wayne Huizenga, Jr. was a man of amazing privilege, born into a family dynasty. His father founded such companies as Blockbuster and Waste Management. He owned the NFL Miami Dolphins and other national sports teams. Despite the privileges of private jets, yachts and the access gained through his name and money, Wayne shared that he had emptiness in his heart…until He decided to follow Jesus.
What does the history of Israel and Wayne Huizenga, Jr. have in common? Both reveal that, regardless of your privileges, you have nothing without a relationship with God.
Did you know? From Pastor Michelle’s perspective, a great vacation would have the ingredients of rest, art, architecture, different languages and different cuisines…all shared with her husband.
