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Romans 8:18-39
I read this section in 3 parts. First is v18-25 where I am reminded of Genesis, and of the idea that when God had the world just the way HE wanted it, it was just the way WE wanted it too. Then we messed it up when we introduced sin. And, since then, we have been ‘groaning’, in Paul’s words, to get it back. We know, intuitively, that things aren’t the way they ought to be...we don’t have to be taught that, it is just a sense that most of us have. I think that is a little of God in us, that sense that the world just isn’t quite right.
Then I see v26-30 as a section that reminds me that I really don’t know what I don’t know...I pray for things, I ask for things, and I long for things...but quite often, I just don’t know what I am asking for, what I truly need, or even what I truly want. The Holy Spirit actually stands between me and God and intercedes to help me in that way...helping my prayers be heard, but also helping my prayers to be relevant. It reminds me that there are tons and tons of prayers that are being answered on a daily basis in my life for which I am just, basically, unaware. God is praying to God for me. That’s pretty awesome!
And then the last section...v31-39, which is probably some of the most quoted New Testament text. It is an inspiring section for sure...and it encourages us that God’s got this...God is in control...and that He has His hand in everything at all times. Our job is to position ourselves to be use by God, to allow ourselves to follow. And Paul inserts one of my lines of logic from an evangelical perspective - if God raised Jesus from the dead, let’s be honest, what reason would we have to doubt anything else that He says is can do, has done, or will do? I mean, really...conquering death means that Jonah and the Whale, Parting the Red Sea, miraculous healings, etc...is all that actually hard to believe IF He raised a man from the dead? It is all about Jesus and the resurrection, and that’s the point.
Today just reminds me of the many ways that God has put his fingerprints on us and on this earth. Not seeing God in the world is really just an error of not looking. I pray that, today, I would see Him in my daily life, and that I would feel that refreshing sense when it happens, just to remind me that He is with me and that He is always in charge.
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By Steve AndersonI read this section in 3 parts. First is v18-25 where I am reminded of Genesis, and of the idea that when God had the world just the way HE wanted it, it was just the way WE wanted it too. Then we messed it up when we introduced sin. And, since then, we have been ‘groaning’, in Paul’s words, to get it back. We know, intuitively, that things aren’t the way they ought to be...we don’t have to be taught that, it is just a sense that most of us have. I think that is a little of God in us, that sense that the world just isn’t quite right.
Then I see v26-30 as a section that reminds me that I really don’t know what I don’t know...I pray for things, I ask for things, and I long for things...but quite often, I just don’t know what I am asking for, what I truly need, or even what I truly want. The Holy Spirit actually stands between me and God and intercedes to help me in that way...helping my prayers be heard, but also helping my prayers to be relevant. It reminds me that there are tons and tons of prayers that are being answered on a daily basis in my life for which I am just, basically, unaware. God is praying to God for me. That’s pretty awesome!
And then the last section...v31-39, which is probably some of the most quoted New Testament text. It is an inspiring section for sure...and it encourages us that God’s got this...God is in control...and that He has His hand in everything at all times. Our job is to position ourselves to be use by God, to allow ourselves to follow. And Paul inserts one of my lines of logic from an evangelical perspective - if God raised Jesus from the dead, let’s be honest, what reason would we have to doubt anything else that He says is can do, has done, or will do? I mean, really...conquering death means that Jonah and the Whale, Parting the Red Sea, miraculous healings, etc...is all that actually hard to believe IF He raised a man from the dead? It is all about Jesus and the resurrection, and that’s the point.
Today just reminds me of the many ways that God has put his fingerprints on us and on this earth. Not seeing God in the world is really just an error of not looking. I pray that, today, I would see Him in my daily life, and that I would feel that refreshing sense when it happens, just to remind me that He is with me and that He is always in charge.