October '24

"For I am sure that neither death nor life, nor angels nor rulers, nor things present nor things to come, nor powers, nor height nor depth, nor anything else in all creation, will be able to separate us from the love of God in Christ Jesus our Lord" (Ro 8:38–39).

With a few of the Redeemer whanau, I've been memorising Romans 8 this year (Hopefully finishing it this week, Lord willing!). I've always loved Romans 8, but this year I've matured in my appreciation for all that God inspired to be in it. It's truly a treasure chest. One of my take aways has been what Paul says in v. 38. Paul is listing things that are not "able to seperate us from the love of God in Christ Jesus our Lord" (v. 39). In v. 38, he lists two things that I'd never really noticed or thought much about before: "For I am sure that neither...things present nor things to come [will be able to seperate us from the love of God in Christ Jesus our Lord]."

Though also nuanced at times, the Bible often speaks in big categories. This can be discouraging in what it says about us:

— "All have sinned and fallen short of the glory of God" (Romans 3:23). Mate! I'm in that group!  

— "Now we know that whatever the law says it speaks to those who are under the law, so that every mouth may be stopped, and the whole world may be held accountable to God" (Romans 3:19). That's my mouth too!

— "For by works of the law no human being will be justified in his sight" (Ro 3:20). Not even Phil Brown from Rotorua.

But the promises of the gospel are equally as broad. Think again about Romans 8:38: "neither...things present nor things to come [will be able to seperate us from the love of God in Christ Jesus our Lord]."

Isn't that beautifully broad? Things present. Things to come. What does that exclude? Not much! Some of you reading this have rough things going on at the moment. Paul wants you to know that it can't seperate you from Christ's love. Some of you will have rough things going on in the future, but they haven't appeared on the scene yet. Whatever it is or will be, God is for you, no one can bring any charge against you, no one can condemn you, and you are God's. Leon Morris writes: "...whatever time brings, the love of God triumphs."

Christian brothers and sisters, God loves you.

Ps Phil Brown