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Paul's Gospel Affirms Jesus as Messiah
From Romans 1: 1 Paul, a servant of Jesus Christ, called to be an apostle, set apart for the gospel of God, 2 which he promised beforehand through his prophets in the holy scriptures, 3 the gospel concerning his Son, who was descended from David according to the flesh 4 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,5 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, 6 including yourselves who are called to belong to Jesus Christ, 7 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.
Paul's letter to the Romans is called by some scholars, "The Gospel According to Paul," for in it, he shares the Good News the way that he received it and shares it with the people of the most famous city in the world at that time. So, as he begins this letter he first introduces himself and his calling. Some versions say that Paul considers himself a "slave" or "servant" of Jesus Christ, called by Him to be an apostle, that is one who not only learns from a master but goes and lives out and teaches others what he learned. The Apostle Paul also introduces Jesus from his point of view, introducing Him through this gospel or good news as the fulfillment of that spoken of old by the prophets of God. This is in line with the Gospel reading for this week found in Matthew. Also, as in Matthew, Paul says that Jesus, as Son of God, was descended from King David "according to the flesh" and was declared to be the "Son of God with power according to the spirit of holiness by resurrection from the dead."
A recent controversy in the news has been the claim by some news anchors that Jesus, like Santa Claus, is white. Yesterday as I was listening to a talk show host he declares that Jesus was not white, but that He was also not the Son of God. It makes sense that as Paul sees it, the point of Jesus' coming and for that matter this Advent Journey was to bring about our obedience of faith in Jesus Christ. Paul felt the good news was for all people, including the non-Jews. So many have not yet heard nor accepted what God did through the birth and life, death and resurrection of Jesus Christ. We see more people upset about removing Christ from Christmas than we do the absence of Christ from their lives. The more dramatic the fight to put Christ back into our greetings rather than our prayers makes me wonder if we're not where we are because of our own inaction towards God and God's love. Advent is a time to invite Jesus into our lives and hearts in ways that show the love of God towards others in all things.
Paul believes that all believers have the obligation to bring about the obedience of all people "for the sake of His name, including yourselves who are called to belong to Jesus Christ." May Advent and its closing days of this season serve to make us more like Jesus and belonging to Jesus than ever before.
PRAYER: Loving God of all people, help me in this journey to reflect more deeply on where I am and where I stand about You and Your love. Grant to me an obedience that blesses You and Yours. Let me live a life that says that the greatest gift we can receive this season is a relationship with You. This I pray in His name, Jesus the Christ, our Lord and Savior, amen.
Have a great and blessed day in the Lord!
Eradio Valverde
Prayer Request: Elida Gonzalez, sister to a dear, longtime friend from Mission, is battling the swine flu and the outlook is not good. Please pray that God have the last word in this terrible illness that she recover if it be God's will for her and her life. I ask prayers for her brother Rick and all the family as they are worried and by her side. Blessings for sharing your prayers!
e.v.
