Journey to Jerusalem Day 17

Friday, March 5 Romans 8:31-39
31 What then shall we say to these things? If God is for us, who can be against us? 32 He who did not spare his own Son but gave him up for us all, how will he not also with him graciously give us all things? 33 Who shall bring any charge against God's elect? It is God who justifies. 34 Who is to condemn? Christ Jesus is the one who died—more than that, who was raised—who is at the right hand of God, who indeed is interceding for us. 35 Who shall separate us from the love of Christ? Shall tribulation, or distress, or persecution, or famine, or nakedness, or danger, or sword? 36 As it is written,
“For your sake we are being killed all the day long;
we are regarded as sheep to be slaughtered.”
37 No, in all these things we are more than conquerors through him who loved us. 38 For I am sure that neither death nor life, nor angels nor rulers, nor things present nor things to come, nor powers, 39 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.

Have you ever thought, “It’s not supposed to be this way”? Christian religion has been stretched and modeled to fit into the agendas of many human ideals. Even if you know what life in Christ offers versus what it does not offer, it is still so easy to feel envious of what the world claims to offer. C.S. Lewis summed up this disconnect well by saying, “If you want a religion to make you feel really comfortable, I certainly don’t recommend Christianity.”

Just as Satan tempted Jesus in the desert with the riches of the world, he tempts us daily with comfort and contentment. The daily longing strains our eternal vision of what we are longing for.

Fortunately for us, we were not meant to endure this journey alone. We are a relational people—God created us this way—to love and be loved. So, when disaster strikes, when suffering overstays its welcome, when you feel most unsure of the way forward, know that God is not the one who leaves. He abandoned his Son on the cross so that He would never have to leave us. If God was willing to do that for you two thousand years ago, why would he leave you now?

Father in Heaven, you placed in each of us the heart of worship. Help us to direct that worship to you at all times and not to get distracted by the facade of this world. Allow us to enjoy the blessing of your Creation while understanding that everything here points to a greater treasure, a greater perfection in your courts. Thank you for showing us the way and for giving us the perfect guide and advocate.
Amen.