Devotion:
For an audio version of this devotion, click here.
Read Romans 15:9-12.
In today’s scripture passage Paul is summing up the mission and message of Jesus. Romans is a powerful letter and a serious theological treatise. Paul’s letter not only had an impact on his immediate audience (the Christian communities at Rome and across the Mediterranean world) but also dramatically impacted Christian history 15 centuries later through Protestant reformers like Martin Luther. Luther believed the Letter to the Romans to be the most important piece of writing in the New Testament. Luther’s “Preface to the Epistles to the Romans” was the work that John Wesley heard read when experienced his powerful moment at Aldersgate.
One of the reasons I believe that Paul is so effective in this letter (as well as his other writings) is that he shares his amazement and excitement at what God has done through Jesus Christ. One of the reasons that Jesus is to be glorified is “in order that the Gentiles might glorify God for his mercy.” (v. 15:9) Romans is a celebration for Paul of the new thing that God is doing, and the new places and peoples that God is reaching! And that includes all of us. The kingdom of God is growing in wonderful ways - grace upon grace.
Personal Worship Option:
Lord, thanks for the new ways that you reach out every day. Help us to do the same. Amen.
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