Scripture to Read: Romans 8:35–36
Though we did not get a chance to examine the rest of Romans 8:34 yesterday, we need to make sure we do not miss what God gives us in Christ. Did you see that Christ is at the right hand of God, interceding with the Father for us? After last week's devotions on prayer, it’s awesome to know that Christ is at the right hand of the Father, also praying on our behalf. Let’s just pause here for a moment and consider that God the Father, God the Son, and God the Holy Spirit continually intercede for us. WOW!!! God’s Word is so encouraging, and we must continually thank Him for revealing His incredible Truth to us. So, with all of that in mind, God says in Romans 8:35–36, Who will separate us from the love of Christ? Will tribulation, or distress, or persecution, or famine, or nakedness, or peril, or sword? 36 Just as it is written,
“For Your sake we are being put to death all day long; We were considered as sheep to be slaughtered.” The good news to the question in Romans 8:35 is that nothing can separate us from God’s love! God had Paul quote Psalm 44:22, a reminder that this wicked world will always persecute God’s children. The Old Testament saints were frequently put to death or exposed to the persecutions of men. God makes it clear that the same is true for all New Testament saints, that many have been, and will be, persecuted and put to death for the sake of Christ and His Gospel.
Challenge & Application
· What good news did God teach you about His love, even as you face the wickedness this world seeks to bring on you?
· What are you doing to be prepared for the persecutions you face because of your faith in Christ?
Don’t forget to pray using the A.C.T.S. (Adoration, Confession, Thanksgiving, Supplication) method!