Devotion:
Read Romans 16:1-16.
As we read the Bible, most of us tend to skip over scripture passages like the one we have for today. Paul's list of personal greetings to people here in the last chapter of Romans ranks in popularity with all of the genealogies and lists of ancient tribe members recorded in the book of Numbers and other places in the Bible. But let's not miss the importance of passages like these. The inclusion of these names at the end of Romans has a lot to say about the importance of community and the promises we make to each other. Paul's admiration for the people he mentions shines through in these verses. These dedicated early Christians worked hard with Paul in ministry, and he wants them to know how much they mean to him. Most of the people he mentions here are unknown to us, only what little Paul tells us. However, one thing is obvious: each of these men and women demonstrated their faith in God by committing themselves to the early ministry. That's the way it is in the kingdom of God. The promises we make to God tend to get lived out in the commitments we make to other people. Sometimes the best way to be faithful to God is to be faithful to the people he has called us to serve. What a joy it is to serve others in the name of God. That is how we grow our faith. How are you doing when it comes to keeping your promises to God?
Personal Worship Option:
Lord, you give us so many people who help our faith grow. Thank you for also using us to bless the lives of others. By serving others, help us remember we are serving you. Amen.
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