Romans 15:4–13 (NRSV)
Read Romans 15:4–13 on biblegateway.com
Verse 4For whatever was written in former days was written for our instruction, so that by steadfastness and by the encouragement of the scriptures we might have hope.
Verse 5May the God of steadfastness and encouragement grant you to live in harmony with one another, in accordance with Christ Jesus, Verse 6so that together you may with one voice glorify the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ.
Verse 7Welcome one another, therefore, just as Christ has welcomed you, for the glory of God. Verse 8For I tell you that Christ has become a servant of the circumcised on behalf of the truth of God in order that he might confirm the promises given to the patriarchs, Verse 9and in order that the Gentiles might glorify God for his mercy. As it is written, "Therefore I will confess you among the Gentiles, and sing praises to your name"; Verse 10and again he says, "Rejoice, O Gentiles, with his people"; Verse 11and again, "Praise the Lord, all you Gentiles, and let all the peoples praise him"; Verse 12and again Isaiah says, "The root of Jesse shall come, the one who rises to rule the Gentiles; in him the Gentiles shall hope."
Verse 13May the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace in believing, so that you may abound in hope by the power of the Holy Spirit.
Devotion
In Romans 15, Paul is guiding us on our Advent journey. He reminds us of Isaiah’s promise we encountered earlier this week—that a shoot will spring up from the stump of Jesse. Paul points to Jesus and his earthly ministry as the fulfillment of that ancient prophecy. But Paul also makes a crucial point: This message is not just for the Jews; it is for the Gentiles as well. Christ is for everyone.
In a world often divided by labels and categories, it can be tempting to create our own definitions of who is “right” and who is “wrong.” But the gospel message shatters these divisions—the good news is for all people.
As we prepare to celebrate again the incarnation of the gospel this Advent season, let us remember that the heart of the gospel is about who is included, not about who is excluded.
Prayer
God of inclusion, you have created us to have our own minds and opinions. Yet sometimes we want to use those thoughts to exclude other children of God. Grant us patience and understanding that we may see you in one another. Amen.
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