ROMANS 15
8 For I tell you that Christ became a servant to the circumcised to show God’s truthfulness, in order to confirm the promises given to the patriarchs, 9 and in order that the Gentiles might glorify God for his mercy. As it is written, “Therefore I will praise you among the Gentiles, and sing to your name.”10 And again it is said, “Rejoice, O Gentiles, with his people.”11 And again, “Praise the Lord, all you Gentiles, and let all the peoples extol him.” 12 And again Isaiah says, “The root of Jesse will come, even he who arises to rule the Gentiles; in him will the Gentiles hope.”13 May the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace in believing, so that by the power of the Holy Spirit you may abound in hope.
– Romans 15:8-13
ROMANS 15 A PRAYER FOR JOY & PEACE
A poem by ILMA inspired by these verses
Because Jesus came to save the whole world
May your joy be complete and may you glorify God
Rejoice in the salvation that came to you through Christ
He will rule the earth and every knee will bow in his name.
Paul exudes his love for the church in this letter. He prays for the church of Christ that they continue to recognize the sacrifice that Christ did for all of them. His prayer is full of love and joy. One can almost hear the Holy Spirit speaking through Paul’s writing.
Spurgeon comments that “Christ did not receive us because we were perfect, because he could see no fault in us, or because he hoped to gain somewhat at our hands. Ah, no! But, in loving condescension covering our faults, and seeking our good, he welcomed us to his heart; so, in the same way, and with the same purpose, let us receive one another.”
Paul couldn’t stop emphasizing the importance of unity in the body of believers. Because the Gentiles and the Jews have disputed on many things, Paul exhorts them to give up their quarrels and focus on accepting that the Gentiles are also promised salvation just like the Jews were. He gives them hope that unity will soon come because the Holy Spirit will bring it on to them.
REFLECTION
- Why is it important for us to pray for peace and joy?
