Scripture
5 Through him we received grace and apostleship to call all the Gentiles to the obedience that comes from faith for his name’s sake. 6 And you also are among those Gentiles who are called to belong to Jesus Christ.
7 To all in Rome who are loved by God and called to be his holy people:
Grace and peace to you from God our Father and from the Lord Jesus Christ.
Reflection
Happy New Year!
May this year be filled with God’s blessings, protection, love, joy, wisdom and guidance. May you continue to grow deeper in your relationship with God and become more like Jesus as you make Him the center of your life.
Today’s verses form part of the customary greeting formula for letters in ancient times which included (a) naming and identifying the author, (b) naming and identifying the recipient, and (c) a word of salutation. In these verses the recipients were the believers who lived in Rome, who also happened to be Gentiles (non-Jews). Paul continues by saying in the same way that he has been called to be an ‘apostle,’ so are the believers in Rome called to belong to Jesus and to live as saints.
Similarly, today as believers, we are also called to be saints of Jesus Christ. That means we should live every area of our lives to reflect Him through us and to allow Jesus to transform our lives. These areas include our thoughts, our attitudes, our relationships etc.
Thoughts for the day
- Which area of your life are you not living as a someone who has been called to belong to Jesus?
- What does this passage tell you about God or Jesus?
- What does this passage tell you about humanity?
- What do you feel God is telling you through this passage?
- How can you apply this message in an area of your life that needs transformation?
- Is there anyone you think should hear or will benefit from this message? Go and tell them.
Prayer
Ask God to help shape your prayers – countries you should pray for; situations which need God’s power and transformation; lift them up in confidence and faith.
