-
Read Romans 16:17–27
-
17 I appeal to you, brothers, to watch out for those who cause divisions and create obstacles contrary to the doctrine that you have been taught; avoid them. 18 For such persons do not serve our Lord Christ, but their own appetites, and by smooth talk and flattery they deceive the hearts of the naive. 19 For your obedience is known to all, so that I rejoice over you, but I want you to be wise as to what is good and innocent as to what is evil. 20 The God of peace will soon crush Satan under your feet. The grace of our Lord Jesus Christ be with you.
21 Timothy, my fellow worker, greets you; so do Lucius and Jason and Sosipater, my kinsmen.
22 I Tertius, who wrote this letter, greet you in the Lord.
23 Gaius, who is host to me and to the whole church, greets you. Erastus, the city treasurer, and our brother Quartus, greet you.
25 Now to him who is able to strengthen you according to my gospel and the preaching of Jesus Christ, according to the revelation of the mystery that was kept secret for long ages 26 but has now been disclosed and through the prophetic writings has been made known to all nations, according to the command of the eternal God, to bring about the obedience of faith— 27 to the only wise God be glory forevermore through Jesus Christ! Amen.
[God] is able to strengthen you according to my gospel and the preaching of Jesus Christ, according to the revelation of the mystery that was kept secret for long ages. Romans 16:25
Whether by road, air, ship, or just a simple hike, I love journeys. It is always amazing to get to the end and look back on what you have just encountered. In this walk through Romans, I am sure that God’s Word has touched each of us in mighty ways. We have given our focus and attention to God and let him work in and through us. So now what – having reached the end of Romans?
I am sure the disciples were wondering the same thing as they participated in the Passover meal with Jesus, and when they walked with him to the Garden of Gethsemane. In the garden they struggled to stay awake, unable to devote themselves to prayer. They were shocked as the soldiers approached. They saw Jesus call them off from fighting for him and saw him arrested and taken by the temple guard. Now what?
Now is not the time to watch for what is to come. Now is the time to let all that God has done come to life. Reading Romans has been a good thing for all of us. Jesus’ arrest was a good thing for all of us because of what it led to. So, as we read the last word in Romans, we should not ask “now what?” Rather we should say "thank you" and share the story with others, especially this weekend. The journey is not done. It has simply given you time with God and training to go forth living for him.
Prayer
Lord God, thank you for establishing your word in my heart and giving to me the joy of the Gospel. Help me to proclaim Jesus Christ this weekend and beyond! Amen.