Friday, 5 December 2025

Romans part 130 - One in Messiah 19

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Romans 10:2-3 For I testify about them that they have zeal for God - but not based on knowledge. For being ignorant of God's righteousness and seeking to establish their own, they did not submit themselves to the righteousness of God.

A "zeal ... not based on knowledge" is a zeal based on ignorance. "Them" and "they" are mentioned in these two verses. To be clear, these are references to Jewish people. Paul calls them Hebrews, his own "flesh and blood" (Romans 9:3). How do we respond to ignorance of God's righteousness in Messiah Yeshua? Is God's instruction to be angry with ignorance or to lovingly shine the light of truth upon it?

Ephesians 4:29,32 Let no harmful word come out of your mouth, but only what is beneficial for building others up according to the need, so that it gives grace to those who hear it ... Instead, be kind to one another, compassionate, forgiving each other just as God in Messiah also forgave you.

Our subject passage accuses the children of Israel of not submitting to the righteousness of God. How can we hope to lead others into it, unless we are ourselves so submitted? The Hebrew word for "righteousness" is tzidakah. A tzadik is a righteous person. Ata Tzodek means you are correct. This takes me back to our discussion of Romans 8:4.

Romans 8:4 That the righteousness of the law might be fulfilled in us, who walk not after the flesh, but after the Spirit. (KJV)

We are not directing ourselves in this, but following the example of Yeshua. Paul says as much of himself ... 1 Corinthians 11:1 Be imitators of me, just as I also am of Messiah. Then he tells the Galatians to be faithful ... Galatians 6:9-10 So let us not lose heart in doing good, for in due time we will reap if we don't give up. Therefore, whenever we have an opportunity, let us do good toward all - especially those who belong to the household of faith. Shalom shalom.