Verse of the Day for Tuesday, April 23, 2024

 

Verse of the Day
Tuesday, April 23, 2024

Romans 14:11

For it is written, “As I live, says the Lord, every knee shall bow to me, and every tongue shall give praise to God.”

Romans 14:11 is a verse from the New Testament of the Christian Bible, specifically located within the Apostle Paul's Epistle to the Romans. This chapter primarily addresses the theme of accepting diversity within the Christian community, particularly in matters of dietary laws and observing sacred days. The verse itself is often understood as a call for humility and recognition of God’s authority.

Romans 14:11 is a powerful assertion of God’s sovereignty and ultimate authority over all creation. The phrase "As it is written" indicates Paul’s reference to the Old Testament, specifically Isaiah 45:23. This connection to Isaiah underscores the consistency of God’s message throughout the Scriptures.

The phrase As surely as I live, says the Lord emphasizes the certainty and unchanging nature of God’s words and promises. The declaration "every knee shall bow to me" is symbolic of submission and reverence towards God. This is not merely an expression of worship but also an acknowledgement of God’s ultimate judgment and authority over all beings.

Every tongue shall give praise to God extends this idea of submission to include confession and proclamation. This part of the verse suggests that acknowledgment of God’s sovereignty will be universal, transcending cultural, ethnic, and religious boundaries.

In the context of Romans 14, this verse serves as a reminder to the early Christian community that judgment belongs to God alone. Paul uses this reference to encourage believers to avoid passing judgment on each other over disputable matters, like dietary laws or holy days. Instead, they are called to live in a way that honors God, knowing that ultimately, everyone will be accountable to Him.

This verse also speaks to the nature of the Christian community as one that should be characterized by unity and acceptance, rather than division and judgment. It’s a call for Christians to focus on the central truths of their faith, particularly the lordship of Christ, and to practice tolerance and love in areas of secondary importance.

The Bible texts are from the New Revised Standard Version (NRSV) Bible, copyright © 1989, 1993 the Division of Christian Education of the National Council of the Churches of Christ in the United States of America. Used by permission. All rights reserved. Commentary by Kenny Sallee, ThM.
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