Unless the Lord Almighty had left us some survivors, we would have become like Sodom. Isaiah 1:9
Today’s Scripture
Romans 9:22-29
Listen to Today’s Devotional
Today’s Devotional
Charles Joughin was a sailor from the young age of eleven. He served as a baker on a number of ships and, in 1912, got hired on to a cruise ship sailing out of Southampton, England. That ship, the Titanic, hit an iceberg in the Northern Atlantic. As the ship went down, Joughin helped people into lifeboats. He himself stood atop the end of the Titanic as it sunk vertically into the water. Miraculously, he survived.
Thirty years later, during World War II, Charles was on another ship, the RMS Oregon. It was rammed by another vessel, and it also sank. Remarkably, Joughin survived again.
Scriptures tell us we’re all on a sinking ship. Paul writes, “All have sinned and fall short of the glory of God” (Romans 3:23). He refers to the rebellious nation of Israel, quoting Isaiah: “Unless the Lord Almighty had left us some survivors, we would have become like Sodom” (Isaiah 1:9). Paul speaks of a “remnant” of Israel, a shipload of survivors: “only the remnant will be saved” (Romans 9:27). How are they saved? By receiving the good news (10:16). You see, we’re all like Israel, drowning in our sin. None of us can be rescued unless we receive the good news. The lifeboat that God throws out to us all is Jesus.
We who believe in Jesus might need to be reminded of the remarkable truth that we are, by God’s mercy, survivors. Those who haven’t yet found Jesus in the troubled waters of life might do well to climb in the lifeboat.
Reflect & Pray
When have you felt like you’re drowning in life? How do you understand God’s offer of a lifeboat?
Dear God, thank You for Your mercy and rescue.
For further study, read What’s Wrong with the Sinner’s Prayer?
Today’s Insights
In Romans 9:22-29, Paul reveals the depth of God’s mercy against the backdrop of divine sovereignty. Though God has every right to display His wrath and power, He instead chooses to show immense patience, even toward those who oppose Him. This patience paves the way for mercy, as God calls not only the Jews but also the gentiles, creating a new people belonging to Him. The apostle draws from Hosea to emphasize that God’s saving grace reaches beyond human expectation: Those once considered “not my people” are now beloved children of God (Romans 9:25; Hosea 2:23). Salvation isn’t earned but freely offered, and God’s mercy isn’t limited by ancestry or status. We’re all drowning in sin, but God offers salvation through Jesus to all who believe (Romans 10:13).
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