Romans 15:30-33

Romans 15:30-33

I appeal to you all, my brothers and sisters, through our Lord Jesus Christ and through the love of the Spirit to join me fervently in prayers to God regarding myself in order that I should be delivered from the ones in Judea who refuse to believe.  And that my service should become acceptable in Jerusalem to the holy ones in order that I should rest with you all after coming to you all in joy through the will of God.  The God of peace be with you all, amen.

Thoughts for Today

First Thought:

Paul asks for prayer.  This seems like such an easy step, but it is actually very difficult for leadership to accomplish.  Most leaders do not desire to seem weak or vulnerable or lacking or in need.  The world tells us that those people are not the ones that we need to follow.  However, Paul knows that he is not asked to live up to the standard of the world.  Paul is expected to model Christ.  Just as Christ displayed His love and vulnerability to His disciples, so here Paul asks for prayer as he knows a difficult thing is before him.  Strong Christian leadership is leadership that knows that being vulnerable before God is the only way to gain true power in this world.

Do you think of Paul as being a vulnerable man?  How can this passage help unlock this side of Paul in your understanding?

Second Thought:

Paul is not foolish.  He knows that he is heading to Jerusalem.  He knows that the followers of Christ are not very welcome there.  He knows that he will be even less welcome since he was a Pharisee that turned to Christ.  Furthermore, Paul is bringing a collection for the people in Jerusalem and that money was collected from among the Gentiles!  There is much that could go wrong in his upcoming return to Jerusalem.  We know from Acts that his fear is not misplaced.

Why do you think Paul still goes to Jerusalem when it is potentially dangerous?  Where does Paul get courage to do the hard things?

Third Thought:

Paul also focuses on the joy at the end.  He knows that after going to Jerusalem and doing the difficult task that he will then be able to set his mind on the more pleasurable task of going to Rome and then beginning a new ministry into Spain.  Paul is focused on the future.  He is focused on where God is calling.

Do you have it within you to focus on the calling of God and in so doing to push through the difficult moments of ministry?  Again, where do you think Paul gets the ability to accomplish this feat of vision?

Passage for Tomorrow: Romans 16:1-16