Our 11-year-old grandson broke his arm recently. We haven’t seen him in a couple of weeks, but we’ve been able to FaceTime with him a few times. Every time I see him and his younger brother, my heart fills with joy. What a warm and wonderful feeling that is.
In contrast, when I see people with whom I’ve had disagreements or those I just don’t particularly like, the reaction is different. One sight lifts my heart, while the other causes it to sink.
What’s interesting is that in Romans 15, Paul tells us that we are to welcome not only those we feel close to, but also those we might prefer not to see at all.
Welcome one another, therefore, just as Christ has welcomed you, for the glory of God.
For I tell you that Christ has become a servant of the circumcised on behalf of the truth of God in order that he might confirm the promises given to the patriarchs, and in order that the Gentiles might glorify God for his mercy (Romans 15.7-8).
The Jews and Gentiles in the Church of Rome probably felt more like people who didn’t like or trust each other, rather than how I feel about my two grandkids. Yet, Paul’s consistent message throughout the book of Romans is that they were to be united.
As we approach the end of the book, Paul emphasizes the importance of unity, backing it up with scripture to encourage them—and us—to come together as one.
Paul quotes from the three sections of the Old Testament to emphasize that Jews and Gentiles are to be united in their service of the Lord. (See Psalm 18:49, Deuteronomy 32:43, Psalm 117:1, and Isaiah 11:10.)
As it is written,
“Therefore I will confess you among the Gentiles,
and sing praises to your name”;
And again he says,
“Rejoice, O Gentiles, with his people”;
And again,
“Praise the Lord, all you Gentiles,
and let all the peoples praise him”;
And again Isaiah says,
“The root of Jesse shall come,
the one who rises to rule the Gentiles;
in him the Gentiles shall hope.” (Romans 15.9-12)
Gentiles were drawn to Judaism, and through it to Christ as the Messiah, because they saw in Judaism a belief system far superior to anything in the Roman world.
The Jews, having received God’s promises since the time of Abraham, understood that God’s word declared Jews and Gentiles were meant to complement one another in the fulfillment of His plan.
Both groups are called by God’s word to unite in service to Him.
Throughout the history of the Church, there have been divisions that threatened to separate God’s people. In 2024, divisions still exist, just as they have in the past.
Paul’s message to the Jewish and Gentile Christians in Rome remains relevant today. When we welcome one another and unite in serving Christ, we present to the world a powerful and attractive picture of Jesus, showing others who He truly is.
Abounding in Hope
It’s important to remember that the word “hope” in the Bible is not about wishful thinking or a “hope so” attitude. Biblical hope is a confident trust in God’s actions and faithfulness.
It’s closely tied to waiting on God—because He is Plan A, and there is no other plan.
Notice how Paul prays for the church, asking that the God of hope fill us, so we may abound in hope through the power of the Holy Spirit.
May the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace in believing, so that you may abound in hope by the power of the Holy Spirit (Romans 15.13).
Paul’s prayer would make an excellent greeting card or message on a refrigerator magnet. It is an excellent prayer for any occasion.
However, Paul wants us to hope for something specific.
We hope for reconciliation among brothers and sisters in Christ, so that we can effectively serve our Lord by sharing the gospel with a world that desperately needs to know Him and His love.
YouTube Discussion
Rudy Ross and I discussed this passage on YouTube today. It is on the Bob Spradling channel.
Real Voices 