The contribution
Day 578, Thursday, Mar. 12
Romans 15:23-33
Paul is nearing the end of his letter and turns, as he often does, to a mention of the collection for the Jewish Christians at Jerusalem.
As he travels to the different Christians communities, he asks them to share financial resources to assist the poor among the church at Jerusalem.
While he doesn’t explicitly ask the Romans for a contribution, he compliments the churches at Macedonia and Achaia for their support. “They were pleased to do it, and indeed they owe it to them. For if the Gentiles have shared in the Jews’ spiritual blessings, they owe it to the Jews to share with them their material blessings.”
Also note that Paul refers to his goal of reaching Spain. We don’t have record of him ever having made it there; most scholars believe he was executed before he could make it.
In the first chapter of Acts, Jesus said, “you will be my witnesses in Jerusalem, and in all Judea and Samaria, and to the ends of the earth.” To a resident of the Roman Empire, Spain would have seemed like the end of the earth: nothing was beyond it but the seemingly endless expanse of the Atlantic Ocean.
Paul’s dream was to do exactly what Jesus had commanded, and to be a witness to the ends of the earth.

-Rev. Mark Fleming

Thursday meditation

Psalms 93:1-5
The Lord reigns, he is robed in majesty; the Lord is robed in majesty and armed with strength; indeed, the world is established, firm and secure. Your throne was established long ago; you are from all eternity.
The seas have lifted up, Lord, the seas have lifted up their voice; the seas have lifted up their pounding waves. Mightier than the thunder of the great waters, mightier than the breakers of the sea—the Lord on high is mighty.
Your statutes, Lord, stand firm; holiness adorns your house for endless days.

Prayer focus
Let our giving be part of our worship.