I feel a little like Paul today. Shouldn’t we feel like Paul every day? What do I mean by that? We, too, are chosen by God to proclaim the Good News about Jesus! As we read through the book of Romans, keep in mind who Paul’s audience is. From what I understand, some of the believers in Rome may have come to faith during the original Pentecost (Acts 2). Paul had never been to Rome, nor had any of the other disciples. Paul’s letter is a way of introducing himself to this growing church.
As we read through this book together, let’s rexamine our own relationship with Jesus and other believers. How committed are we to the gospel? Are we ready to be bold like Paul? What are the lessons we need to hear? The book of Romans is full of faith principles, and it will be good for us to review the “basics”. Maybe we’ll hear things for the first time because we are now ready to hear them.
Paul begins with a greeting. He reminds us who we are. Chosen by God. Loved by God. God’s own people. While he was addressing the Romans, he was addressing all believers, all children of God. Doesn’t it feel good to be part of a family? We have our earthly families, and those are great. Most of the time. There are always “issues” to deal with in families. Those may differ from family to family, and some are more visible than others. It is often the invisible issues that can cause division and heartbreak.
But our eternal family with other believers in Jesus is just that. Eternal. There is unconditional love. There is a beauty that is really hard to explain. When you meet someone for the first time and find out they are a believer too, what do you feel? Is it kind of like a peace or a joy bubbling up inside? A comraderie like none other. It’s a language you both speak and you don’t have to use words.
Take some time today to thank God for all the people in your life, no matter what family they are in. May grace and peace be yours.
Let’s pray. Lord thank you for placing me into a place where I can thrive and grow closer to you. I thank you for each person you have brought into my path, both believers and non-believers. I pray that you will use me to welcome all into your presence. Use my words and my actions to draw people to you. You have given me an inheritance for which I am beyond grateful. Thank you for your peace and grace. In Jesus’ name. Amen.
