Date: Wednesday 2nd May, 2018.

Topic: Chosen by God

Bible Reading: Romans 1: 1–4 (The Holy Bible, New Living Translation®. Copyright © 2007 by Tyndale House Publishers, Inc.)

1. This letter is from Paul, a slave of Christ Jesus, chosen by God to be an apostle and sent out to preach his Good News.

2. God promised this Good News long ago through his prophets in the holy Scriptures.

3. The Good News is about his Son. In his earthly life he was born into King David’s family line,

4. and he was shown to be the Son of God when he was raised from the dead by the power of the Holy Spirit. He is Jesus Christ our Lord.

Word for Today: This letter is from Paul, a slave of Christ Jesus, chosen by God to be an apostle and sent out to preach his Good News. – v. 1.

Inspiring Commentary:

God never calls a person He has not chosen and whenever He chooses a person, it comes with a clear assignment. Paul who had been a great and fierce persecutor of the church and a renowned Pharisee described himself as “a slave of Jesus Christ” – this shows that he now has a new master; “chosen to be an apostle” describes his new identity; “sent out to preach” has to do with his new assignment and the “Good News” is the message.

Verses 3&4 further describes the gospel that Paul has been called to preach. It is the Good News about Jesus the son of God and descendant of David and Jesus affirmed who He was by resurrecting from death by the power of the Holy Spirit. Paul’s declaration as someone chosen by God affirms that Jesus is God Incarnate. He also declares his agreement with the whole teaching of Scripture.

Beloved, like Paul, God has chosen you and given you a new identity, a new assignment and a message, but you must affirm it like Paul that He alone is your Master. Remember, if He is not the Lord of all, He is not Lord at all.

Prayer: Thank you Lord for choosing me, giving me a new identity, assignment and message. Help me to live as a slave of yours daily.