Devotion:
For an audio version of this devotion, click here.
Read Romans 12:12.
In his letter to the Romans, Paul follows a pattern that often appears in his writings. The first several chapters of this letter are very theological and contain some of our most foundational teachings on the Christian faith. But now, Paul shifts to instruct us on how to live out our faith. Theology is great for our understanding, but it is meant to be applied theology, lived out and not just talked and written about.
Here, Paul instructs us to be joyful in our hope in Jesus Christ. Hope is as essential to human life as are water, food, and oxygen. Athletic teams with no hope of victory will almost certainly lose. But sometimes underdog teams with high hopes play above themselves and upset more talented opponents. Patients with life-threatening illnesses but who have hope will often hear their pleased physicians remark that their attitudes are enabling them to defeat their illness. The greatest hope on earth is the hope we have in Christ Jesus, as it is the hope of eternal life. And that brings with it joy, even in difficult times.
Personal Worship Option:
Thank you, Almighty God, for the hope you give us in Jesus Christ. As we begin in this Advent season to prepare for the coming of Christmas, we celebrate the gift of hope, not in ourselves, but in you through Christ.
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