Now to God who is able to strengthen you according to my gospel and the proclamation of Jesus Christ, according to the revelation of the mystery that was kept secret for long ages, but is now disclosed,” vss. 25-26a
Romans 16:25-27
Paul must have breathed a sigh of relief as he completed his letter to the Romans. He’d laid everything on the line and believed that he had successfully revealed the essence of the gospel. He hadn’t invented anything new, but had simply told the old, old story in a way that made it accessible and applicable to all of God’s children, most especially the Gentiles. And now it’s our turn. His letter has been preserved in our scriptures, but it’s not always easy to understand. He used a style of interpretation and words that were familiar to the people of the first century, and sometimes his points can seem obscure to folks in our time. What a blessing it is to have teachers and pastors who can make Paul’s gospel come alive to their readers and listeners. Again, it’s not that they’re inventing anything new; it’s just the old, old story being retold in a manner that will touch our hearts and minds and bring peace to troubled hearts. In a few days, faithful folks all around the world will gather to hear that message and be reminded of God’s unconditional and incarnational love. It’ll be a mixed crowd, believers and agnostics together, all drawn by the momentum of the season to bow at the manger, and give glory and praise to God.
Thought for the Day: What are people yearning to hear?
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