So-and-so

 

Romans 2:1-11

From time to time, I preach a good enough sermon that someone has a wish. Their wish is that so-and-so would have been there to hear it. That's a relative or friend they know. And the reason is always the same. They really should've been there because they really needed to hear it. Now, how many of us don't need to hear gospel-focused reminders? I like to remind my wish makers that so-and-so wasn't there. They didn't hear it. You did. And we're all accountable to what we have heard and what we will do with it. In Romans 2, Paul seems to be talking to a group of people who thought they were good with God. That is, whatever sharp words the apostle had to share, he must've meant them for so-and-so. They're the ones who needed to hear this drastic call. But Paul doesn't let his listeners off the hook. If you're reading this, whoever you are, this message applies to you. I can't help but wonder if Paul's audience would have thought they were actually passing judgment on others. They were just sure of themselves. Sure their identity secured their holiness and sure what others did proved their unworthiness, perhaps. The absurdity of all this comes with Paul's main point. Passing judgement on someone else doing something you're doing yourself is beyond foolish. To be charitable with yourself and judgmental with others is to "despise" the riches of God's kindness, forbearance and patience. We're all someone's so-and-so. You and I need to hear the gospel's call to repentance as much as anyone else. Does that mean you're the worst of the worst? No, but that's not the point. The point is God shows no partiality when it comes to grace. So, God expects us all to understand God's judgment is for all of us and we all stand in need of God's grace. Stay blessed...john