Weekly Devotional - January 19th

What shall we say then? That Gentiles, who did not pursue righteousness, attained

righteousness, but the righteousness that is by faith; however, Israel, pursuing a law of

righteousness, did not arrive at that law. Why? Because they did not pursue it by faith, but as though they could by works. They stumbled over the stumbling stone, just as it is written:

“Behold, I am laying in Zion a stone of stumbling and a rock of offense, And the one who believes in Him will not be put to shame.”

Romans 9:30

Scripture clearly shows that we are not naturally inclined to seek the things of God. In fact, it is not us who find God; rather, He chooses us. This sentiment is captured in the famous hymn “Amazing Grace,” written by the former slave trader John Newton.

“Amazing Grace, how sweet the sound

That saved a wretch like me

I once was lost but now am found

Was blind but now I see.”