PODCAST: https://www.pastorwoman.net/podcast/episode/29f8c356/this-is-how-we-know-romans-826-28-34-35-39
"So, what?"
A question I oft ask myself when some great statement or platitude is offered. What implications does it have?
In the last Morning Briefing, I stated that knowing God is FOR us is the best news we would hear all day. But is it? What difference does it make?
You see, I could picture my reader, a trial attorney by trade, stepping back from the judge, gesturing to his opponent--'Come on, Counselor, what different does that really make? I mean, come on, you saying God is, what did you say, 'for me' is a game changer... get serious with the good people of New York right now.'
As the defendant's attorney, I am happy to proffer the evidence for such a claim.
'Your Honor, ladies and gentlemen of the jury, I will demonstrate to you the basis on which I stand.'
Here it is. Paul, writing to the Christians in the church at Rome makes a bold statement: God is FOR US. And then he does such a Paul thing--he gives three truths that scream off the page, that have application for you and me today. These things reveal that God is not just interested, but also involved in our lives. Because why? Because God is FOR us.
>The Spirit, that is, the Holy Spirit. helps. us. when we are weak. Romans 8.26
Stop. What challenge are you facing? What is breaking your heart? Are you worn out? God is FOR you. We know this because the Holy Spirit of God helps us when we are weak.
-->one way he helps us is that he prays/intercedes for us with groanings that cannot be expressed in words.
What's more is that
>Jesus Christ, who sits at the right hand of our loving Heavenly Father, prays for us as well. [wouldn't you just love a snapshot of what that looks like--right now, today? mmm, mmm, mmm. God is so great. I mean seriously - for some of you who are trying to beat Covid again, others who do not know how they will pay the bills, one who has fractured vertebra, still another who is recovering from a crazy serious back surgery, others who are trying to figure out a medical diagnosis ... could you just stop a moment and picture Jesus praying for you by name? ('your name? He knows it well because it is written on the palm of his hand-Isaiah 49.16)
Yes, God is FOR you.
Another evidence that God is FOR us is the promise of Romans 8, verse 28.
>God works all things together for good for his children. Paul writes, "And we know that in all things God works for the good of those who love him, who have been called according to his purpose." The promise of the redemption of all that has come before in our lives--struggle, hardship, even pain and loss. Our great and good God can redeem it all, if we but submit it to him. O, what a gift is this truth! Nothing is lost, nothing is irredeemable in God's economy.
Paul finishes out this portion of his letter to the Romans in most emphatic terms—expressing that
>NO ONE and NO THING can ever separate us from God’s love. Take a look:
“Who shall separate us from the love of Christ?Shall trouble or hardship or persecution or famine or nakedness or danger or sword? As it is written:
“For your sake we face death all day long; we are considered as sheep to be slaughtered.” [from Psalm 44, where the psalmist refers to Israel’s suffering as a nation ... again, another timeless message]. No, in all these things we are more than conquerors through him who loved us.
For I am convinced that neither death nor life, neither angels nor demons, neither the present nor the future, nor any powers, neither height nor depth, nor anything else in all creation, will be able to separate us from the love of God that is in Christ Jesus our Lord.” Romans 8.35-39
So if you are wondering about what God thinks of you . . .
remember that God is FOR you and nothing can separate you from his incredible love for you. Dang, that's good news. Listen: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=RqQPkEy0tLc
A lot of people want to talk about all that is wrong with the world. So, what?! Let's consider how being loved by God changes how we look at the world, the people around us and how we choose to live each day, no matter what.
Amen!
Christine
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