Our scripture this morning is Romans 2:5-11.
But because you are stubborn and refuse to turn from your sin, you are storing up terrible punishment for yourself. For a day of anger is coming, when God’s righteous judgment will be revealed. He will judge everyone according to what they have done. He will give eternal life to those who keep on doing good, seeking after the glory and honor and immortality that God offers. But he will pour out his anger and wrath on those who live for themselves, who refuse to obey the truth and instead live lives of wickedness. There will be trouble and calamity for everyone who keeps on doing what is evil—for the Jew first and also for the Gentile. But there will be glory and honor and peace from God for all who do good—for the Jew first and also for the Gentile. For God does not show favoritism.
Paul writes to the believers in Rome with the hope that they may better understand God’s love and His will for our lives. He reminds them (and us) that God is just and doesn’t show favoritism, rewarding those who obey and punishing those who don’t, regardless of who they are. He warns that those who are “stubborn and refuse to turn from your sin, you are storing up terrible punishment for yourself” (v. 5).
God created everything that exists, including us, and He has an eternal plan for all creation. We alone are given the gift of choosing obedience to Him or opposing Him. When we go our own way instead of the path God intends for us, there will be “trouble and calamity for everyone who keeps on doing what is evil” (v. 9).
However, there will be “glory and honor and peace from God for all who do good” (v. 10). When we hear His call and obey, repenting of our sinful behavior and following the example of our Savior, we can be made new, enabled to go to the nations in His name. God wants us to be prepared for the day of His coming, redeemed and ready for our eternal home.
Loving Lord, we are thankful for Your mercy, given freely to all. Help us to be the disciples of today, going in faith to share the Good News with all people. Amen.