For I am convinced that neither death, nor life, nor angels, nor rulers, nor things present, nor things to come, nor powers, nor height, nor depth, nor anything else in all creation, will be able to separate us from the love of God in Christ Jesus our Lord.” vss. 38-39
Romans 8:31-39
Paul began this ending paragraph of chapter 8 in his letter to the Romans by writing “If God is for us, who can be against us?” Martin Luther echoed those sentiments in the second verse of his classic hymn, A Mighty Fortress, when he wrote, “Did we in our own strength confide, our striving would be losing; were not the right Man on our side, the Man of God’s own choosing.” Oh what comfort it brings when we finally realize that life’s deck has been stacked in our favor! It really doesn’t matter what the world brings against us or what stupid, inexcusable things we’ve done, in the end, it’s not all up to us! There is nothing in all creation, not even death, that can separate us from the love of God. These are words to be said at the bedside of every dying person and to be whispered to every disconsolate child. There is no power greater than love in the entire universe. This is the message that stands at the core of the gospel, a conviction that gives purpose to the existence of the Church. If we forget everything else and proclaim only this, the angels will sing our praises, and our mission will be deemed a success.
Thought for the Day: When have these words hit home for me?
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