Romans 8:37 No, in all these things we are superconquerors, through the one who has loved us. 38 For I am convinced that neither death nor life, neither angels nor other heavenly rulers, neither what exists nor what is coming, 39 neither powers above nor powers below, nor any other created thing will be able to separate us from the love of God which comes to us through the Messiah Yeshua, our Lord.
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Pastor Burton’s remarkable story reminds us that seeking justice matters to all of us as God’s people (cf. Amos 5:24). It also shows us the truth of Romans 8:38-39: nothing (!) can separate us from God’s love. When he wrote that, the apostle Paul knew all about “trouble, or distress, or harassment, or famine, or nakedness, or danger, or sword” (verse 35). Those are the parts of life that often shake our faith in God’s love. But Paul said God allows us to face them, but never leaves us while we face them. Scholar N. T. Wright wrote, “Look around at the many things that threaten to separate you from the powerful love seen through the cross and
resurrection, and learn that they are all beaten foes. Learn to dance and sing for joy to celebrate God’s victory. The end of Romans 8 deserves to be written in letters of fire on the living tablets of our hearts.”1
• The compound Greek word translated “sweeping victory” was hupernikaō. “Huper” was a superlative, the origin of the English “hyper.” And the “nik” in the middle of the word came from the Greek word for “victory,” a word we know from shoes and athletic gear—“nikē”! Paul asked two compelling questions: “If God is for us, who is against us?” and “Who will separate us from Christ’s love?” Both were phrased in a way that assumed the answer was “Nobody and nothing!” In what ways does that confidence shape your daily life for the better? What can help you, even on the hardest of days, to open your heart to the sweeping victory God offers you?
Prayer: All powerful God, whatever comes my way, hold me close in the shelter of your love. Thank you that, through you, I can win a sweeping victory in “all these things.”
Amen.
1 N. T. Wright, Paul for Everyone, Romans Part 1: Chapters 1–8. Louisville: Westminster John Knox Press, 2004, p. 159.
Family Activity: Sometimes people get angry with or hurt one another. It is important for us to ask forgiveness when we sin against someone, and forgive those who’ve hurt us. Place a handful of coins in a container and go as a family to a nearby fountain. Ask each person to take one or more coins. Explain that this is a time to tell God “I’m sorry” for my wrongs, and start the process of forgiving hurts from others. Ask each person to pray (aloud or silently), “Lord, I am sorry I…” and/or “Lord, help me to forgive….” Toss the coins into the water. Invite family members to dip their hands in the fountain for a quick washing. End by praying, “Thank
you, God, for the reality of forgiveness through Jesus Christ. Amen.” Make sure to also ask forgiveness of the ones who have been hurt by your words or actions.
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Insights from Brent Messick
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Pastor Burton’s remarkable story reminds us that seeking justice matters to all of us as God’s people (cf. Amos 5:24). It also shows us the truth of Romans 8:38-39: nothing (!) can separate us from God’s love. When he wrote that, the apostle Paul knew all about “trouble, or distress, or harassment, or famine, or nakedness, or danger, or sword” (verse 35). Those are the parts of life that often shake our faith in God’s love. But Paul said God allows us to face them, but never leaves us while we face them. Scholar N. T. Wright wrote, “Look around at the many things that threaten to separate you from the powerful love seen through the cross and
resurrection, and learn that they are all beaten foes. Learn to dance and sing for joy to celebrate God’s victory. The end of Romans 8 deserves to be written in letters of fire on the living tablets of our hearts.”1
• The compound Greek word translated “sweeping victory” was hupernikaō. “Huper” was a superlative, the origin of the English “hyper.” And the “nik” in the middle of the word came from the Greek word for “victory,” a word we know from shoes and athletic gear—“nikē”! Paul asked two compelling questions: “If God is for us, who is against us?” and “Who will separate us from Christ’s love?” Both were phrased in a way that assumed the answer was “Nobody and nothing!” In what ways does that confidence shape your daily life for the better? What can help you, even on the hardest of days, to open your heart to the sweeping victory God offers you?
Prayer: All powerful God, whatever comes my way, hold me close in the shelter of your love. Thank you that, through you, I can win a sweeping victory in “all these things.”
Amen.
1 N. T. Wright, Paul for Everyone, Romans Part 1: Chapters 1–8. Louisville: Westminster John Knox Press, 2004, p. 159.
Family Activity: Sometimes people get angry with or hurt one another. It is important for us to ask forgiveness when we sin against someone, and forgive those who’ve hurt us. Place a handful of coins in a container and go as a family to a nearby fountain. Ask each person to take one or more coins. Explain that this is a time to tell God “I’m sorry” for my wrongs, and start the process of forgiving hurts from others. Ask each person to pray (aloud or silently), “Lord, I am sorry I…” and/or “Lord, help me to forgive….” Toss the coins into the water. Invite family members to dip their hands in the fountain for a quick washing. End by praying, “Thank
you, God, for the reality of forgiveness through Jesus Christ. Amen.” Make sure to also ask forgiveness of the ones who have been hurt by your words or actions.
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Insights from Brent Messick
Brent Messick is Resurrection’s Managing Executive Director of Operations.Nothing can separate us from the love of God. How do we know this? In Romans 8:35-39, Paul challenges us to think of every terrifying thing we could possibly experience in this world. He mentions such things as persecution, hunger, threat of death, angels and demons, and the fear of tomorrow. But the love of God is so strong that not one of these things is able to separate us from His love. With that assurance, what should we be afraid of?
One thing that Paul does not mention specifically is the fear of guilt. This is something that I think about. Will God still love me when I sin? I strive to live a Christ-like life, but I know that I fall short. And when I recognize the times that I fall short, then I feel guilty. I feel that I may not be worthy of God’s love. Christ died for us on the cross. And, yet, I repay his sacrifice with sin. Surely, my sinning will separate me from God’s love.
But Paul reassures us that nothing can separate us from God’s love. However, I believe it is a two-way street. I know that I have to do my part and strive to live my life as God created me to live it. I don’t get a hall pass to keep sinning willfully. God knows my weaknesses and human conditions. Despite these shortcomings, Paul tells me that God will not abandon me. Paul’s assurance gives me hope and great peace of mind.-------
Prayer Requests – cor.org/prayer
Prayers for Peace & Comfort for:
• Jessie Fetters and family on the death of her brother Alvin Pemberton, 10/23
•Kaye Schultz and family on the death of her brother Gaylord Freshley, 10/20
• Jaime Kernaghan and family on the death of her father Bob Kernaghan, 10/17
•Stacy Vollmar and Kristin Vollmar on the death of their father Dean Vollmar, 10/1
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