August 16, 2010

Romans 15:14-33
It is the glory of Christ to use us to take the Gospel to those who have never heard and to minister to those who know Him. On July 18 (Acts 21:1-17), we investigated the ambiguity of discerning the will of the Lord. In 30-33 Paul begs them to strive with Him in prayer to be delivered from those in Judea so that by the will of God he might come to them and be refreshed by them. The Lord delivered Him. He visited the Romans. He exalted the Glory of Christ on the way. However, it was through much hardship. God did accomplish what He wanted in Paul. And it is possible that Paul eventually made it to Spain (after visiting Rome). Luke did not record 100% of Paul's missionary activities (evidenced by Paul's mention of visiting Illyricum v.19).
Perhaps sometimes in our lives there is more than one way to accomplish the will of the Lord. Maybe that is part of His glory. He partners with us to accomplish His will, while He remains absolutely sovereign and we remain free to choose. How do I logically explain that? I am not sure that I can. I guess that is why we have so many opinions and explanations on the topic and why He is God and we are not. Indeed we serve a glorious King! Speak His glory to someone today!
--Pastor John