So here is why we should reach out and accept one another … because Jesus did it.
What Jesus did when He came was to bring good news of God’s love to all people no matter who they were.
So here is why we should love and not dismiss people who are different to us … because Jesus did it.
What Jesus did when He came was to step into one people group and show them their ancestral paths pointed to the Messiah and these ancient prophecies included more than themselves.
So here is why we should reach out to different tribes … because everyone needs the Messiah to save them from sin.
“For I tell you that Christ has become a servant of the Jewson behalf of God’s truth, so that the promises made to the patriarchs might be confirmed and, moreover, that the Gentiles might glorify God for his mercy. As it is written: “Therefore I will praise you among the Gentiles; I will sing the praises of your name.”(2 Samuel 22:50) Again, it says, “Rejoice, you Gentiles, with his people.”(Deuteronomy 32:43) And again, “Praise the Lord, all you Gentiles; let all the peoples extol him.”(Psalm 117:1) And again, Isaiah says, “The Root of Jesse will spring up, one who will arise to rule over the nations; in him the Gentiles will hope.” (Isaiah 11:10)
(Romans 15: 8-12)
Jesus reached into the Jewish culture to fulfil all their promises of a Messiah and then held out a hand to those outside of their faith, to the Gentiles.
In doing so we see God being praised amongst the Gentiles; these people are called to rejoice; the Gentiles rejoice; and they will live with hope.
Why is Paul quoting these Old Testament Scriptures? He is trying to prove that it was always God’s intent to include the Gentiles. It was never only about the Jew. Jesus accepted all. So must we. It is never only about us. The demands of the saved must never outweigh those who are yet to know Jesus.
Missions Paul 