My devotions this morning was on Romans 9:6, which as I read, and studied, and meditated upon, was led to also examine, and deeply meditate upon 1 Cor 1:24. I realized that these two verses are two sides of the same coin.

The Greek word used to translate “no effect”, is “ekpipto“, which means that the Word of God has fallen to the ground (meaning, of no use, or useless!), fallen off the object to which it was sent to (echoes of Isaiah 55:11), fallen away, faded away, and withered!

Studying this passage, Rom 9:6 to 9, I realized that the Divine Author is arguing emphatically that the Word of God-Christ preached and taught-is only effective to a certain category of people, that is, according to the this passage, “to Israel of the seed of Abraham”, of the “seed of Isaac”, the “children of God” who are “the children of promise”, counted as “seed” of the “word of promise”, Christ Himself (Rom 10:17).

The other side of the coin being that the Word of God is only effective to “those who are called” (1 Cor 1:24) of God. A study of the Greek word, “kletos“, points to those who are “called, invited, summoned by God” in the word of the truth of the gospel of Christ, “divinely called”.

How does this apply to me today?

As I meditate upon this blessed truth, I am also reminded of Jesus’s “high priestly” prayer contained in John’s gospel, chapter 17.

Jesus clearly prays only for those whom the Father has “given”-past tense- to Him. In fact, Jesus emphasizes this “giving” as His possession as He says that He is “glorified in them”. (Jn 17:9&10).

My “takeaway” is pure assurance in God! I can begin today with confidence I am God’s possession in Christ. My union with Christ is further reinforced. I can move today in confidence that my Father has me totally covered, in all ways. That “all things” will work together for good because I am called of my Father in His amazing love for me, only in my union with Christ through the call of the gospel.

This is “preaching the gospel of Christ to my heart”. This is living in the Spirit, and giving away the “fruit of the Spirit”, Christ’s life, to all whom He would bring me into contact, and interaction with. To His glory