Reflections with Andy - Peace - Romans 15:4-13
Throughout the season of Advent, we’ll have a weekday reflection based on suggested scriptures from a great resource entitled The Common Rule. You can find a calendar of the daily readings here.
Paul gives us repeated passages from the Old Testament today and tells us this. God has been at work, in all this, to bring the Good News to all the world. The Gospel is good news to all who hear it. God has always been at work, to bring the Good News of Jesus to all. We have faith in that, and because of that, we have peace, no matter what. We trust in Him. And that trust is our peace.
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Good morning! It's always a pleasure to join you in these reflections during the Advent season. Today's reading from Romans 15:4-13 brings to light the rich message of hope and peace found in Scripture.
The passage begins by emphasizing the significance of what was written in former days, indicating the Old Testament teachings and prophecies. Paul highlights that these writings were given for our instruction so that, through steadfastness and encouragement derived from the Scriptures, we might have hope. This echoes the enduring nature of God's plan and the promise of hope embedded in His Word.
Paul then prays that the God of steadfastness and encouragement grants believers to live in harmony with one another in accordance with Jesus Christ. This unity among believers serves the purpose of glorifying God with one voice. The call to welcome one another, mirroring Christ's acceptance of us, reinforces the idea of unity within the body of Christ.
The passage further emphasizes that Christ's mission extends to both Jews and Gentiles. Through the fulfillment of Old Testament prophecies, it becomes clear that the good news is not exclusive but intended for everyone. The Gentiles are specifically mentioned, and the passage highlights their inclusion in the plan of salvation.
The focus on hope is particularly powerful in verse 13: "May the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace in believing, so that you may abound in hope by the power of the Holy Spirit." This verse encapsulates the essence of the Advent season—anticipating the fulfillment of God's promises, finding joy and peace in believing, and abounding in hope through the Holy Spirit's power.
Your reflection on the command "do not be afraid" is a poignant reminder of the recurring theme throughout Scripture. Fear often draws our focus away from God's eternal promises and places it on temporary circumstances. The call to faith, trust, and hope becomes a counteraction to fear, guiding us to look beyond our present challenges to the greater plan that God has for us.
As you aptly mentioned, peace is not the absence of conflict but a deep abiding trust in God's plan, will, and way. In the midst of life's struggles, trials, and troubles, the abiding presence of Jesus brings peace. The assurance that God is at work, bringing good news to those who need to hear it, is a source of encouragement for believers.
Your closing exhortation to choose hope and faith in what Jesus has done, is doing, and will do is a powerful challenge. In the face of temptations to give in to fear, choosing the path of hope and faith leads to a profound sense of peace.
Thank you for this uplifting and encouraging reflection. May the Advent season continue to fill your days with hope, joy, love, and peace. Hold on to Jesus, indeed, for He is holding on to us. Have a wonderful day, and I look forward to our continued reflections.