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25 Now to him who is able to establish you in accordance with my gospel, the message I proclaim about Jesus Christ, in keeping with the revelation of the mystery hidden for long ages past, 26 but now revealed and made known through the prophetic writings by the command of the eternal God, so that all the Gentiles might come to the obedience that comes from faith— 27 to the only wise God be glory forever through Jesus Christ! Amen. (Romans 16:25-27 NIV Bible)
A great Tuesday to you, dear << Test First Name >>! I pray the joy of the Lord is your strength today and all days. I pray the pressures of the holiday season do not hinder your commitment to the true purpose of these special days; Jesus is the reason for the season. And while the bumpersticker say, "Keep Christ in Christmas" I say we need to keep Christ in our hearts, our words, thoughts, and actions.
This passage for todays is closing out Paul's letter to the believers in Rome. It is a prayer and a blessing to those who follow Christ in the capital city of the known world, where many gods and other religions are competing with our faith. Paul's words can also serve as an affirmation of faith in the one true God. Let's look at the key affirmations that Paul has shared in these few verses.
Paul urges his followers to stand firm in their faith. His phrase "able to establish you" serves to say, as we face internal and external forces that could destablize our faith , God is able to keep us "established," or firm in our faith. Doubts, challenges, and the pull of the world may pull us in different directions. Yet, Paul knows and affirms that God is our solid foundation upon which we can build our lives. God will hold us steady even in the face of adversity to our faith.
Paul also lifts up the Gospel as our anchor. The gospel is all about the good news about God's love through Jesus Christ. It is, as Paul asserts, "the message I proclaim about Jesus Christ," a source of our faith's strength. The gospel is the anchor that holds us secure in the midst of turbulent oppositions. If we anchor ourselves to the truths of the gospel - Jesus' death for our sins, His resurrection, and His lordship - we find stablility and purpose.
In this passage, verse 25 to be exact, we read of a "mystery hidden for long ages past" that has now been revealed. This refers to the plan of salvation, the hidden truth about God's love for humanity made manifest through Jesus. As we understand this mystery, we can embrace the gift of Jesus Christ, the key to truly experiencing true and lasting establishment.
We are also called to universal obedience which Paul knows to be the ultimate purpose of the why God established work as stated in verse 26: "so that all nations might come to the obedience that comes from faith." We know that God desires all people, regardless of race or background, to experience the transformative power of faith and obedience. We, as followers of Christ, are called to participate in this mission, sharing the gospel message and inviting others to find their own establishment in God.
That's our Advent task; to share an invitation to others to come to know the Lord Jesus for the why He came. Let's get busy!
PRAYER: Loving God, Thank you for your unwavering ability to establish us in your truth. We confess our weaknesses and anxieties, but we place our trust in your unfailing love and power. Fill our hearts with the message of the gospel, and grant us the strength to anchor our lives to your promises. Help us to share the light of your love with others, leading them to the obedience that comes from faith. May your glory be forever proclaimed through every nation, through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.
Have a great and blessed day in the Lord. YOUR CALL TO ACTION: Go forth today, strengthened by the knowledge that God is able to establish you. Let the gospel be your anchor, and share its stabilizing power with those around you.
Receive my love and thankfulness to God for you!
Pastor Eradio Valverde, Jr.
