In Romans, the Apostle Paul writes to the fledgling Christian Church in Rome and by extension, to us. He writes about all God has done for us in creation, in Christ Jesus, and in the Holy Spirit. In chapters 5-8, Paul shares the core of his theology. There is too much to cover in one, two, or three devotional writings but I recommend that you read those chapters sometime soon.
Paul writes, “For the creation waits with eager longing for the revealing of the children of God; for the creation was subjected to futility, not of its own will but by the will of the one who subjected it, in hope that the creation itself will be set free from its bondage to decay and will obtain the freedom of the glory of the children of God.” Rom. 8:20-21.
In the Apostle Paul’s thought, we are not naturally children of God. We are children of God by God’s gift. That’s why Paul writes, “You have received a spirit of adoption.” Paul is the only New Testament writer to use the Greek word huiothesias, adoption, to describe our relationship with God. For Paul, that gift is revealed in the love of God shown for you in the life, death, and resurrection of Christ Jesus.
On Sunday we celebrated the Festival of Pentecost. The faithful of the Church, drawing from our dynamic roots in Judaism and experience with Christ, developed over several centuries three great celebrations: Christmas, Good Friday/Easter and Pentecost.
I have enjoyed writing about sabbaticals in the Friday devotions. I hope that the devotions have expanded your understanding of sabbaticals (for all whether an extended time or a short laugh) and have led to prayer for Pr Peter and PoP.
Throughout these devotions on Romans 6, I have so far failed to note explicitly the connectedness of the Cross and the Resurrection. It cries out for recognition in the last line of verse five:
“For if we have been united with him in a death like his, we will certainly be united with him in a resurrection like his.”