March 10th - Reflection

Romans 1:1-7 (NRSV)
Appointed to preach the good news of Christ
Paul, a servant of Jesus Christ, called to be an apostle, set apart for the gospel of God, which he promised beforehand through his prophets in the holy scriptures, the gospel concerning his Son, who was descended from David according to the flesh and was declared to be Son of God with power according to the spirit of holiness by resurrection from the dead, Jesus Christ our Lord, through whom we have received grace and apostleship to bring about the obedience of faith among all the Gentiles for the sake of his name, including yourselves who are called to belong to Jesus Christ,

To all God's beloved in Rome, who are called to be saints:

Grace to you and peace from God our Father and the Lord Jesus Christ.
Reflection
God was previously known as the Creator, the God of the Column of fire, the cloud, the God of the Tabernacle sitting over the Ten Commandments. God was the one who lead his people into war and back to safety. God was known as a caring, loving, God, yet a fierce judgmental God. Maybe too much for us to understand.

So God appeared in flesh in the form of Jesus. Jesus walked with us and lived love, compassion, healing and saving grace. Jesus showed his Spirit to this world and when he ascended, the Holy Spirit came to us to lead and guide us.

It was in his Jesus experience that Paul was called to reach out to the Gentiles. God's people have now been opened up to everyone through the saving life, suffering, death and resurrection of Jesus for the sin of all the world. Paul was called to bring the word of salvation to all the world.

Likewise, you and I have been called to be saints in the Christian fellowship that exists in this world and in the heavenly realm. So as we prepare for our action to all that God has done for us through Jesus. As we prepare for the action of our call. As we live in the hope now planted deep within us. We are given a greeting.

Grace and peace from God our Father and the Lord Jesus Christ. What a start! Thanks be to God!

Reflection
Lord, teach me, show me, guide me in your grace and peace that I may act out in this world in the love you give...today...tomorrow...and forever. --- Amen