For a description of the (Y2) reading plan, see the “About” page.
Rom. 2
How does Paul assess the Jews’ relationship with their Law? What comparisons or contrasts can you draw with yourself? Anyone who attempts to live by the law is relying on their own ability to obey the whole law. I believe, however, that part of the reason God gave His people the law was to show all of us that this isn’t possible. If we do not keep the law in whole, however, we do not keep the law. Because of this, and from the rest of what Paul says here, I believe there is a lot more to repentance than simply being sorry for and turning away from the wrongs you have done. I believe true repentance lies in acknowledging our utter inability to keep the law.
So when Paul says, “God’s kindness is intended to lead you to repentance” (Rom. 2:4b) and, “because of your stubbornness and your unrepentant heart, you are storing up wrath against yourself” (Rom. 2:5a), I hear him saying that the Jews’ refusal to let go of the law was keeping them from God’s mercy. Our faith lies in whatever we rely on, and we rely on what we believe in. So we either put our faith in the law and our own efforts, or we put our faith in God. Only one option offers us mercy for our failures.
Ezek. 1-2
Compare Ezekiel’s vision of God with that of Moses (Exodus 3), Isaiah (Isaiah 6) and John’s vision of Jesus (Revelation 1). I have mentioned before that God’s holiness is a refining fire. Thus, it consumes anything in its presence that isn’t holy. Ezekiel’s description of the figure of God reinforces that thought to me. “I saw that from what appeared to be His waist up He looked like glowing metal, as if full of fire, and that from there down He looked like fire; and brilliant light surrounded Him.” (Ez. 1:27). Thank God for His mercy, which allows an unholy people to be safe in His holy presence!