Advent Devotions: Romans 15:4-13

Romans 15:4-13

4 For whatever was written in former days was written for our instruction, that through endurance and through the encouragement of the Scriptures we might have hope. 5 May the God of endurance and encouragement grant you to live in such harmony with one another, in accord with Christ Jesus, 6 that together you may with one voice glorify the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ. 7 Therefore welcome one another as Christ has welcomed you, for the glory of God.

8 For I tell you that Christ became a servant to the circumcised to show God's truthfulness, in order to confirm the promises given to the patriarchs, 9 and in order that the Gentiles might glorify God for his mercy. As it is written,

“Therefore I will praise you among the Gentiles,
    and sing to your name.”

10 And again it is said,

“Rejoice, O Gentiles, with his people.”

11 And again,

“Praise the Lord, all you Gentiles,
    and let all the peoples extol him.”

12 And again Isaiah says,

“The root of Jesse will come,
    even he who arises to rule the Gentiles;
in him will the Gentiles hope.”

13 May the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace in believing, so that by the power of the Holy Spirit you may abound in hope.

Where does "hope" come from? It's a question that human beings have been pondering since the beginning of language. Do a google search on "Shawshank Redemption quotes on hope." Hope is a major theme of this excellent movie (one of Stephen King's best in my humble opinion). The quote that stays in my mind is when Red said to Andy, "Hope is a dangerous thing; hope can drive a man insane." And yet without hope there is only emptiness and despair. Without hope we are barely alive. 

St. Paul wanted to remind Roman Christians that their life together was a source of great hope for one another. Further, they have the scriptures to offer them hope and encouragement. The promises of God are proclaimed through the Word of God and it is up to us to mirror those promises to one another in our daily lives. We find joy in the small things and those small things give us hope of the coming of Christ. Cling to those moments and cherish them, knowing they are a gift! Let me share one from this past Sunday in worship because it tickled me so much and gave me that sense of hope and joy that comes from Christian community:

During the Children's Time I asked the kids to put the shoes up near the altar as it was St. Nicholas day in church year. They did so, obediently, but I don't think they expected anything to happen. During the passing of the peace I had one of my members put some candy in their shoes along with a note about St. Nicholas. At the end of worship they went back to retrieve their shoes and I watched in amazement as the children looked in their shoes and boots and found treats. They were so thrilled - and surprised! Because of the distraction of the peace, they didn't see anyone go up to their shoes. "How did that happen?" they wondered. "Look mommy, there's candy in my shoes!" It was precious. Even this kind of moment gives me hope and joy and somehow bolsters my faith. It's simply the gathering of people together to worship that does it. It's Christ among us, and in the little ones that captures my attention. The candy in the shoes just made me notice. 

Dear God, thank you for bringing us together as your people, to worship you and to care for one another. Grant us your life-giving grace and hope for a future with you in eternity. Amen.