The Love of God in Christ Jesus our Lord
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Romans 8:31-32, 37-39
31. What then shall we say to this? If God is for us, who is against us? 32. He who did not spare his own Son but gave him up for us all, will he not also give us all things with him?
37. No, in all these things we are more than conquerors through him who loved us. 38. For I am sure that neither death, nor life, nor angels, nor principalities, nor things present, nor things to come, nor powers, 39. 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.
The heading for this section of Romans in my bible is
More Than Conquerors. I’ve been watching this weekend the news broadcasts from various parts of the world and found myself becoming anxious about “our” future -- that of mankind. Some might say that “the end is near” because “wars” are raging all over the world. And “we’re” losing the battle. But our Sunday School lesson was from James yesterday, and I came home feeling comforted -- we studied chapter 5 - on
The Prayer of Faith.
Of course you probably know what my next comment will be! Turn off the television and open the bible! Of course we must be informed about what’s going on in the world! I do tune in at least twice a day -- but it is because I want to know what to pray about, and who to pray for. I guess it’s easy to take that stance sitting here in my study in a nice neighborhood in the United States of America. I don’t have to worry about those in power barging in and arresting or killing me because of my opinions--or worse--because of my race--or for absolutely no reason at all!
Well, I guess it is possible to be a victim even here! But my point is this: God is with us. And he wants us to cry out to him to save his world. I remember after Sept. 11 how the whole country came together and prayed and became so steadfast as a nation. There was no talk in the months following that tragedy about whether or not the Ten Commandments should be on public display, or if prayer in school violated anybody’s rights! Don’t get me wrong! Anyone who knows me knows that I adamantly support individual rights and the protection thereof! And I struggle with that issue every day!
Have we forgotten so easily and so quickly how much we needed God? Do we feel “safer” because all these terror activities are happening “over there?” Does an ocean separating us really give us that sense of security? Of course I don’t think we should live in fear! But we also shouldn’t over react as the government so characteristically does! The truth is this: we don’t know if the next attack will be in New York City, Hong Kong, Rome, or Timbuktu! It doesn’t matter how many backpacks get checked, how many times we have to take off our shoes before entering the boarding area for a flight. We can have thousands of security personnel at every “vulnerable” target we can imagine! And it just doesn’t matter!
That doesn’t mean we don’t try to protect ourselves, and our loved ones. It doesn’t mean we do nothing! But I can’t help but think that if those “brainstorming” sessions, strategy meetings, and “best guess” scenarios were preceded by prayer, we might do a better job of protecting our citizens. And if each of us prays every day for God’s protection and wisdom, our little part of the world will be much safer. Or at least we’ll spend our time more effectively -- seeking God and his presence in our lives and our world -- versus fearing man and the evil influences under which he falls.
I guess I’m on my soapbox this morning -- one of my “thorns” is righteous indignation, as some of my friends -- and even my husband -- lovingly remind me when I get too worked up! But really . . . “If God is for us, who is against us? ?
My prayer today is that you will “pray your way through” the news. Ask God to shower his love and peace, mercy and grace down upon his world that he loved so much he sacrificed his beloved son to save it. And that you will feel the love of God in Christ Jesus our Lord throughout every minute of your day.
Mary
