Observation: Paul is in the middle of his philosophical discussion about the alignment between the Jewish law and the salvation of the Lord. It is confusing, but includes various ways of discussing Jewish behavior - and especially their failure to obey the Law - juxtaposed to the faithfulness of the Lord. The fact Jews struggle to obey the Law does not nullify it as good, nor weaken the Lord himself.
That is the key point of this specific section ... people are not Jews by outward appearances, but rather by their efforts to comply with the Law, and yet when they fail in those efforts that doesn't mean the Lord fails, nor does it mean the Law is bad. It simply means individuals are flawed and sinful and should now be judged by a righteous God. (This philosophical point will come full circle ... the Jews have the Law so shouldn't sin ... yet people sin and should be judged ... yet Jesus gives salvation by faith alone without judgement for actions ... yet that isn't a free ticket to sin ... so people shouldn't sin.)
Paul's statement about the Lord in all of this is powerful ... the Lord is true, even though everyone else is a liar. The Lord is holy and righteous, even when everyone who believes in the Lord - everyone who declares they are children of God and obedient to him as the Lord of the universe - utterly fails to actually obey him, and instead commits every sin he taught us not to do. Our sin does not tarnish the Lord. And his decision to offer us grace instead of the punish we deserve only glorifies him all the more.
Application: Almost every day my wife and I discuss our church because it is her job. As a pastor, she cares for her coworkers and serves the congregants, so she sees everyone either just as they are at work, or even at their low points when they are struggling in life. The hardest part of the job is knowing that everyone - us included - utterly fails to obey the Lord. We declare we know the one glorious and all-powerful Lord God almighty, creator of heaven and earth ... and then disobey his clear instructions several times a day. No wonder we fail to influence and communicate the gospel to those outside of faith, who don't believe in the Lord. When it comes to what is "right", why would anyone EVER listen to ... me?
Today, I cling to Paul's words, "Let God be true, even though everyone is a liar". Yes, Let God be true, even when I lie. Let God be virtuous, even when I lust. Let God by kind, even when I ignore the poor. Let God be peace, even when I am angry. Let God be merciful, even when I judge others' actions.
I fail at everything. May that never tarnish the Lord, and may somehow those in need of the Lord see his love and goodness despite the hypocrisy of myself and other Christians.
Prayer: Lord, you are the great father of us all. You have told us what you wish we would do, and I fail to obey over and over. Please forgive me of my failings. I thank you for your strength and goodness to assist me in my endeavor to be improved. Amen.
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