Liz’s Morning Devotional: Scripture selected from Upper Room
April 28, 2023
Romans 16:21-23, 25-27
21 Timothy, my coworker, says hello to you, and Lucius, Jason, and Sosipater, my relatives. 22 I’m Tertius, and I’m writing this letter to you in the Lord—hello! 23 Gaius, who is host to me and to the whole church, says hello to you. Erastus, the city treasurer, says hello to you, along with our brother Quartus. 25 May the glory be to God, who can strengthen you with my good news and the message that I preach about Jesus Christ. He can strengthen you with the announcement of the secret that was kept quiet for a long time. 26 Now, that secret is revealed through what the prophets wrote. It is made known to the Gentiles in order to lead to their faithful obedience based on the command of the eternal God. 27 May the glory be to God, who alone is wise! May the glory be to him through Jesus Christ forever! Amen.
Good Morning, In the name of Jesus, we are saved.
It is hard to imagine a time when writing letters was the only way to communicate with those from whom you were separated. Certainly, our ancestors were accustomed to writing letters. Often a whole family would share with another family through a single correspondence, so everyone would make comments. Perhaps this is like when individuals from a group sign a single card for others.
Paul is sharing his final words with the people of Rome. In lifting up those who are with him working in the name of Christ, Paul is letting the Romans know that they are not in this alone. The family of God is with us always. He reminds them that each person serving God is essential regardless of their role.
Imagine a coach giving a pep talk before the big game. A coach tells his team what challenges they might face but then sends them out by reminding them of their strengths. Paul is sharing the highlights of all of his teaching. Just before this passage, Paul reminds them to be wary of false prophets and evil in the world. He closes with a blessing. He gives them the thesis (the secret) of the gospel. Through Christ alone, we are saved. Paul wrote this letter to help those who thought that once they were saved, they could return to their evil ways and be fine. Therefore he reminds them in these final verses of the need for obedience and praising God from whom all our blessings come.
It is only because of God that we are able to live freely. Paul is reminding the Roman audience and us of this essential point. God alone deserves all the glory. To the only wise God, through Jesus Christ, be the glory forever. Amen.
Blessed God, We thank you for Your blessings. Help us on our path. Thank You! In the name of Christ, we pray. Amen
Thought for the day: We are a family working together to praise God, who blesses us.
To God be the Glory! Pastor Liz
Comments