14 But how are they to call on one in whom they have not believed? And how are they to believe in one of whom they have never heard? And how are they to hear without someone to proclaim him? 15 And how are they to proclaim him unless they are sent? As it is written, “How beautiful are the feet of those who bring good news!” 16 But not all have obeyed the good news, for Isaiah says, “Lord, who has believed our message?” 17 So faith comes from what is heard, and what is heard comes through the word of Christ.
As we read the letter to the church in Rome, we get a taste of the Apostle Paul’s theology. (Some scholars feel that Paul was sharing his message and credentials with this group partly to secure their support for a future evangelistic campaign in Spain.) As Paul writes, God’s grace, love, and a plan for our lives permeate this book. And we are also reminded that the Paul who wrote to this established church had a passion for sharing the Good News of what God has done for us in Jesus Christ with as many people as possible. Paul was a tireless preacher throughout his missionary journeys. Here in Romans he expresses his heartfelt passion for telling the Jesus story.
Paul would probably want us to join him and the Roman Chrisian in sharing what we have heard in a part of the globe he had never imagined existed. Since we have heard the word of Christ, we are the ones who can tell how God has blessed us in Jesus, and those who hear what we share may in fact believe.
Prayer
Wonderful God, let my feet and my tongue be the instruments for sharing the Good News of your love and grace with each person I encounter today. Bless me to be a blessing to others. In Jesus’ name I pray. Amen.