Romans 8:38 – Security

^“And I am convinced that nothing can ever separate us from God’s love. Neither death nor life, neither angels nor demons, neither our fears for today nor our worries about tomorrow—not even the powers of hell can separate us from God’s love.” (Romans 8:38)

The first time this verse hit me like a ton of bricks was during a funeral service. I’ll never forget my pastor husband was preaching on this text. Meanwhile, I had an overflow of guests in the church basement listening as the service was transmitted via speakers. When a verse strikes you with such intensity, you pay attention.

Context (Romans 8:31-39): Paul’s words comfort us, assuring us that God has chosen us, set us apart, and made us right with himself. Furthermore, nothing can separate us from God’s love. Paul was convinced of this, and he wanted the believers in Rome to know that. Those early believers would have been facing all sorts of adversity. Hearing that as believers we have God’s favor, his protection, his unwavering love, and ultimate victory in Christ would have fueled their confident hope in their salvation. Continue reading “Romans 8:38 – Security”

Numbers 35:1-34 – Take Refuge

Read Numbers 35:1-34

You may have noticed that the tribe of Levi didn’t have a leader appointed by God to receive land. That’s because God had other plans for them. You’ll recall God already called the Levites to special duties in the Tabernacle while they were in the wilderness. Now God was going to have the other tribes share with the Levites 48 towns and the surrounding lands for flocks. Six of these will become the cities of refuge. These cities will be named and more detail given in Joshua 20.

What makes up a city of refuge? A place where non-murders with blood on their hands would be safe from their own death. Family vengeance for murder was real. Does the fact God deemed this type of protection necessary mean accidental death must have been somewhat common? Continue reading “Numbers 35:1-34 – Take Refuge”

Christmas Galatians 4:4-7 – Freedom

Read Galatians 4:4-7

The Christmas season continues as we celebrate Jesus’ coming into this world. We have been reflecting on how this little baby brought truth, wisdom, and faith. Paul is describing for us how our inheritance of faith works in today’s reading. Paul had been talking about how until Jesus, people had been like slaves to the law. Jesus’ coming changed that for us when he brought freedom.

There are some great nuggets we don’t want to miss in this reading. The first one is that Jesus came at just the right time. God’s timing is always perfect. We may wish for things to happen on our timeline, but when we can let go and let God, that’s when the miracles happen. Is there something you need to let go of so God can step in without you being in the way?

Joel 3:13-21 – Our Refuge

Read Joel 3:13-21

God is our refuge. Joel doesn’t use a lot of metaphors to describe God. We’ve have seen him portrayed as the leader of an army, a judge, and a roaring lion! But my favorite of all is found in verse 16, “But the Lord will be a refuge for his people, a strong fortress for the people of Israel.”

Martin Luther’s hymn, “A Mighty Fortress” has some fitting words for the idea of God as our refuge and strong fortress. Growing up Lutheran, this is a song I sang over and over but am only now seeing the exquisite beauty in these words.

Jeremiah 49:1-39 – God’s Fury

Read Jeremiah 49:1-39

We see five individual prophecies of doom in today’s reading. Each recipient of God’s wrath has a little different story, but what they share in common is proximity to Israel and Judah. Why do you think we need to see how God is going to deal with other nations?

It’s helpful to know God is fighting for those he loves. Sometimes it means he has to take control of those around us who are causing us harm or poised to do so. We don’t have to seek revenge. God does the heavy lifting for us. Here’s a little of what I took note of in my reflection of the text and research of who these nations were.