Our daily reflections follow the M'Cheyne Bible reading plan, designed for those who want to read the whole Bible in one year. Each reflection focuses on one of the chapters from that day's readings. Darllenwch rhain yn Gymraeg.
Lord, open my ears to hear what you have to say to me; open my heart to love your word, and open my mind to understand your truth.
Here Paul delves into the long conflict between good and evil in human nature. Now, he says, we have a divine power, the Holy Spirit, on our side. The death of Christ was a decisive moment, and we share in his resurrection life. But the process of resurrection has not yet been completed; a new world is coming, but it has not yet been born (verse 22). We ourselves, though we have the Spirit as 'the first of God's gifts' (verse 23) are still waiting for God to 'set our whole being free'.
So, in the face of trouble, hardship, persecution, hunger, poverty, danger or even death (verse 35) we still don't need to fear: God will not abandon us, because nothing can separate us from his love.
Romans 8 is not a dry theological text. It comes directly from Paul's own experience of being made new in Christ but still facing the battles of life. He knew physical hardship, deep hurt and disappointment, illness and pain. He was the subject of violent hostility, and was regarded as a traitor by many of his own people. He felt all this deeply. But even more deeply he knew that 'there is nothing in all creation that will ever be able to separate us from the love of God which is ours through Christ Jesus our Lord' (verse 39). This is the knowledge that has sustained Christian martyrs at the point of death. It is true for all of us.
God, thank you for your eternal love for me. In the dark times, help me to remember that you are faithful and that Christ is risen.
This reflection was written by Mark Woods, Bible Society's Editor
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