…then to the Gentile
Day 548, Tuesday, Feb. 10
Romans 1:8-17
Paul takes care to approach the church at Rome with an attitude of humility. The fact that it is the Christian community at the heart of the empire gives it special status. In spite of Paul’s confidence in his calling, he is also taking care not to take his welcome by that community for granted.
He makes it clear that he is coming to Rome to learn as well as to teach. “I long to see you so that I may impart to you some spiritual gift to make you strong—that is, that you and I may be mutually encouraged by each other’s faith.
He is insistent that the gospel is for everyone: “For I am not ashamed of the gospel, because it is the power of God that brings salvation to everyone who believes: first to the Jew, then to the Gentile.” While he maintains that the Jews were the first to receive the good news, they aren’t the only ones who have helped shape Paul’s understanding: “I am obligated both to Greeks and non-Greeks, both to the wise and the foolish.”

-Rev. Mark Fleming

Tuesday meditation

Psalms 77:13-20
Your ways, God, are holy. What god is as great as our God? You are the God who performs miracles; you display your power among the peoples. With your mighty arm you redeemed your people, the descendants of Jacob and Joseph.
The waters saw you, God, the waters saw you and writhed; the very depths were convulsed. The clouds poured down water, the heavens resounded with thunder; your arrows flashed back and forth. Your thunder was heard in the whirlwind, your lightning lit up the world; the earth trembled and quaked. Your path led through the sea, your way through the mighty waters, though your footprints were not seen.
You led your people like a flock by the hand of Moses and Aaron.

Prayer focus
Remind us, O Lord, that your flock is the whole world.