Pauline Reflections 25 - 30th May 2009
 

For I am convinced that neither death, nor life, nor angels, nor principalities, nor present things, nor future things, nor powers, nor height, nor depth, nor any other creature will be able to separate us from the love of God in Christ Jesus our Lord. Romans 8:38-39

Paul, in these verses, speaks compellingly of the overwhelming love of God in Christ Jesus. For, in the fullness of time, God who is love himself sent his only son Jesus Christ to redeem the world by his suffering, death and glorious resurrection. He reaffirms this conviction in Romans 8:34b: ‘it is Christ Jesus, who died, yes, who was raised, who is at the right hand of God, who indeed intercedes for us’.

Thus Paul reassures the persecuted Christians of Rome, prompting them always to look to Christ. Using powerful images, he convinces them that nothing should ever separate them from the love of Jesus, who stands as intercessor for them always. At such times of persecution and difficulty, they should consider themselves very safe; nothing in life or in death could withstand the intercessory power of Christ. Although they are suffering and may feel neglected, they are safe and securely fastened to Christ even in their distress. Paul alludes figuratively, to zodiac powers and other heavenly bodies, hostile spirits that are associated with the planets and stars: all of these become very secondary and cannot pose a threat to the Christian.

Paul’s overall message for the Romans and for Christians today calls us to stand up and be firm in the face of persecution, or any situation of distress. He urges us not be surprised when such difficult situations challenge us, because God’s own begotten Son went through such undeserved suffering and death. ‘For God did not withhold his own Son, but gave him up for us all, will he not with him also give us everything else?' Romans 8:32

In these verses then, Paul’s questions become very relevant for each Christian today. They provide a personal assurance, especially with the awareness of Christ as our sure intercessor. Who then can separate us from the love of Christ? I dare to add some contemporary difficult situations to Paul’s questions - will the loss of a loved one, or the credit crunch, or a broken relationship separate me/us from the love of Christ? Or make me/us loose faith in Christ?

Prayer

May God’s strength ever uphold me, his wisdom ever guide me, his hand ever support me, and his shield ever protect me. May I never give up and never be discouraged, for nothing can separate me from the love and friendship of Christ Jesus, my Lord. Amen.