…Christ became a servant to the circumcised…to confirm the promises given to the patriarchs, and…that the Gentiles might glorify God…
Romans 15
Paul concludes his dissertation of the Christian life in Christ for all humanity by telling all believers, everywhere, to “welcome one another as Christ has welcomed you, for the glory of God.” Paul writes how Christ came to be a servant to both the “circumcised” and the Gentiles. In quoting from Isaiah 11, Paul stresses that Gentiles have been given Christ in order that they, too, may praise God the Father of all creatures. “The root of Jesse,” Christ, “will rule the Gentiles” and, “in Him will the Gentiles hope.” Paul could not be more clear, in his words here, that Christ has come for all believers to bring peace and hope, by the power of the Holy Spirit that indwells each and every believer, in the Son of God who gave Himself, willingly, as a sacrifice to propitiate the sins of many who become the Bride of Christ and reside with Him in Heaven for all eternity. Paul, then, writes to these Roman Christians that “you, my brothers…are full of goodness, filled with all knowledge and able to instruct one another.” Without ever having been to Rome to see these Christians, yet, Paul commends these godly people for their faith and works for Christ and His Kingdom. Oh, Christian, would that we could be found as faithful and fruitful in our walk, today, as these Romans who lived under the tyrannical rulers of the empire of the iron legs identified in Daniel 2. We live in times that are becoming more dangerous for believers. Though we may not see persecution like the Christians of Paul’s day, it will come, maybe even to our believing children. Be of good cheer, all believers, our God is greater than any creature ever created and He will do as He has promised for His people, no matter who or where they are in this evil, sinful world. Look up! For our redemption draws ever closer! The Lord is coming! Soon!
Source: S C Ball September 9, 2023
Leave a Reply