The Doers of the Law Will be Justified

This meditation is based on a passage for March 24, 2011 in the Daily Lectionary Year 1 from the Book of Common Worship for the Presbyterian Church (U.S.A.) (1993).

Text: Romans 2:12-24

Reflection and Question: Having turned the tables on his Jewish listeners, Paul zeroes in on humbling those who think that they are righteous and judge others. First, he speaks up for the Gentiles whose deeds show that they instinctively obey the law. They will be found good when “God, through Jesus Christ, will judge the secret thoughts of all.” Second, Paul is severe toward the Jews as he reminds them of the rules against stealing, adultery and idolatry. Their flaunting of these laws gives a bad name to God, says Paul. His conclusion: Judge not – live together in Christ. How do you do the law?

Prayer: Blessed Jesus, Paul and the Romans were seeking a way for Gentiles and Jews who believed in You to live together in harmony. Now, we are seeking a way for lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender. and straight Christians to do the same. May we all be doers of the law. Amen.