Today’s Lectionary Readings: Psalm 83 & 4; Zephaniah 1:1-9; Luke 20:19-26; Romans 8:31-39
One of the most challenging moments for a pastor is sitting with a family member of a deceased person who is agonizing about the life and choices of their departed loved one. These thoughts end up leading them to wonder about the eternal well-being of their deceased loved one. At times like this, the grief of their loss is often compounded by their own theology. It’s at times such as this, when I turn to today’s passage from Romans to provide a sense of perspective and comfort. The Message translates Romans 8:38-39 Paul’s words as follows: “I'm absolutely convinced that nothing—nothing living or dead, angelic or demonic, today or tomorrow, high or low, thinkable or unthinkable—absolutely nothing can get between us and God's love because of the way that Jesus our Master has embraced us.” At the crucial moments of our lives, this passage reminds us of what really matters: God’s love - a love whose depth and breadth transcends ALL human understanding. The next time you find yourself questioning the constancy of God’s love and presence in your life (or someone else’s), remember these words and take comfort in God’s AMAZING grace! Til next time…
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