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 8:38-39)
Paul’s letter to the Romans contains some of the most familiar and beautifully written verses in the New Testament. Today’s selection is undoubtedly familiar to everyone, and is often included in worship services. It is especially meaningful to us during difficult time and times of uncertainty and turmoil. It is consoling in sorrow and comforting in grief. It is a constant reminder that no matter what, without exception, we will never be separate from the love of God. That is am unconditional love, surpassing all forms of love that we experience during this lifetime.
God’s love in Jesus Christ is the central theme of Chapter 8, and begins by asking the question, ‘Who will separate us?’ The enemies are real and must be resisted and endured, James reminds us. But neither worldly enemies, a reference to Paul’s seven-fold list of hardships, nor transcendent, cosmic powers, again referring to Paul tenfold list, can separate the believer from God’s love manifest in Christ.
Not only is death a threat that can potentiate separation from God, but so is life. Some faith is stronger in the face of threatening death than when confronted with a successful life that appears to get along quite well without God.
But even this insidious threat cannot fully separate us from God’s love. Paul lists angels among the harmful transcendent powers that stand between humanity and God and attempt to separate us from God.
Other biblical authors refer to angels as God’s good messengers and agents, but Paul’s undisputed letter speaks of them only in this negative sense.
Because the universe is not a neutral mass of matter but the creation of the one God, the believer’s life and destiny are secure in the hands of the Creator. This was the faith of Jesus. May it be our faith as well.
References: The People’s New Testament Commentary by M. Eugene Boring and Fred B. Craddock and The MacArthur Bible Commentary by John MacArthur.
Columbia Prayer Chain: Thursday, November 29
In our prayers: Doug and Sharon, Shandra Dickenson, John Kelchner, Jeannie, Elizabeth Matthews, Nedrick Griffin, Jennifer Handy, Nancy Stuckey, Annemarie Sullivan, Rachel and Randy Wurtzbaugh, Patty Peckham, Denise Byrd, Caralynn, Greg and Lisa Steele, Dean Timothy Jones, Linda Langford, Marty Fritz, Harriet Hancock, Tommy and Robby Palmer, Patty and Ted Mac Laughlin, Janet Long, Bobby Wilson, Debbie and Pat Barry, Betty Jo Sullivan, Mary Francis Harris, Patrick and Patricia Barry, Jordan Hill, Doris Clevenger, Charles Sigel, Joe Reno, Bob Davis, John Whatley, Nancy Zuckerman, Mack James, Charles Davis Sr., Elaine and Sharon, Bill Carter, Betty Peavy Frick, Joye Cantrell, Fred and Gail, Dale and Norma Sessions, Padge Arrington, Jerry Callahan, Norman Masters
In memoriam: Lee Shuman Bowers, Sara Jo Gamble Freeman, Annie Ruth Fulmer, Johnnie W. Barton, Master Sgt. Robert F. Allen Jr., Curtis Dale Brown, James Hardy Burch, Lonnie McGuire, William R. Hazzard, Louise Dozier Hudson, Wilbert J. Hymel, Asbury H. Martin, Frank Albert Mercier Sr., Robert Miles Peeples, E. Guy Shealy Jr., Margaret Thomas Whetstone, Betty Carolyn Turner, Jeanette H. Jackson, Bobby L. Jones, Brian A. Mature, Robert Rush, Irene Abney Watson
Our prayers are with: all who are traveling for Thanksgiving, the elderly, the homeless, all currently fighting illness, all beloved pets, our president and congress, our police officers and firefighters, all who serve in the armed forces
Columbia Prayer Chain is open to all residents of greater Columbia who would like to share prayers and receive the prayers of others. Please leave your name in the comment box below or email me to join our Prayer Chain. It is updated daily.
