Good morning! Today is Tuesday, December 3, 2024. Take a moment to read these words from the final chapter of Romans. Read them slowly, as they represent just a portion of Paul’s closing remarks. Altogether, he greets 26 individuals by name! Let’s read on…
Today's Reading:
Romans 13,14,15,16
Scripture
"I commend to you our sister Phoebe, a deacon of the church in Cenchreae. I ask you to receive her in the Lord in a way worthy of his people and to give her any help she may need from you... Greet Priscilla and Aquila, my co-workers in Christ Jesus. They risked their lives for me. Not only I but all the churches of the Gentiles are grateful to them. Greet also the church that meets at their house. Greet my dear friend Epenetus, who was the first convert to Christ in the province of Asia. Greet Mary, who worked very hard for you. Greet Andronicus and Junia, my fellow Jews who have been in prison with me. They are outstanding among the apostles, and they were in Christ before I was. Greet Ampliatus, my dear friend in the Lord. Greet Urbanus, our co-worker in Christ, and my dear friend Stachys.” (Romans 16:1,3-9)
Observation
As the apostle’s words come to the final chapter, he concludes with what he feels is most important. He has already addressed doctrine, examined the tension between spirit and flesh, and spoken on submission and spiritual disciplines. Yet now, he reserves the most important for his closing remarks.
In this one chapter, Paul mentions over two dozen people by name! To each relationship, he attaches a word of heartfelt gratitude. There are no anonymous groupings here—no generalizations or, for expediency’s sake, a crowd thanked in mass. Instead, you’ll witness an intimate conversation among friends.
Relationships. That’s what Paul treasured most in the end.
Application
I have sat with many who have approached the final moments of their life on earth. In those precious concluding moments, the unimportant fades away, leaving only what truly matters. Their greatest treasure? Healthy relationships.
Their greatest pain? Unresolved or broken ones.
During this season, let’s seek to repair or bring gracious closure to the events and relationships that, when remembered, still carry a residue of pain. There is no greater gift you could give yourself.
Prayer
Dear Father, please remind me continually of this great commandment that Paul so clearly emphasizes. Today, I commit to recognizing the importance of maintaining healthy relationships and investing in them early on.
Sign up to receive Pastor Wayne's devotions daily
