Liz’s Morning Devotional: Scripture selected from Upper Room
March 8, 2023
Read Romans 16:1-15
1 I’m introducing our sister Phoebe to you, who is a servant of the church in Cenchreae. 2 Welcome her in the Lord in a way that is worthy of God’s people, and give her whatever she needs from you, because she herself has been a sponsor of many people, myself included. 3 Say hello to Prisca and Aquila, my coworkers in Christ Jesus, 4 who risked their own necks for my life. I’m not the only one who thanks God for them, but all the churches of the Gentiles do the same. 5 Also say hello to the church that meets in their house. Say hello to Epaenetus, my dear friend, who was the first convert in Asia for Christ. 6 Say hello to Mary, who has worked very hard for you. 7 Say hello to Andronicus and Junia, my relatives and my fellow prisoners. They are prominent among the apostles, and they were in Christ before me. 8 Say hello to Ampliatus, my dear friend in the Lord. 9 Say hello to Urbanus, our coworker in Christ, and my dear friend Stachys. 10 Say hello to Apelles, who is tried and true in Christ. Say hello to the members of the household of Aristobulus. 11 Say hello to my relative Herodion. Say hello to the members of the household of Narcissus who are in the Lord. 12 Say hello to Tryphaena and Tryphosa, who are workers for the Lord. Say hello to my dear friend Persis, who has worked hard in the Lord. 13 Say hello to Rufus, who is an outstanding believer, along with his mother and mine. 14 Say hello to Asyncritus, Phlegon, Hermes, Patrobas, Hermas, and the brothers and sisters who are with them. 15 Say hello to Philologus and Julia, Nereus and his sister, and Olympas, and all the saints who are with them.
Good Morning, Praise God from whom all blessings flow.
When we read a passage like this, it is easy to get caught up in the listing of names. It reminds me of when I go to a big event and I am introduced to a large group of people who I have not previously met. As the names overwhelm me, I truly hope there isn’t a quiz at the end because I would certainly fail. I don’t even think I could pass a simple matching assignment where you draw a line from the name to the person.
So why would Paul write this passage? If you can look past all of the names which trip up our 21st-century tongues, we notice that he is also telling us about their relationship or role in the family of believers. This is good for those being lifted up, but it is also good to help us remember that each of us has a role to play. No matter how small we imagine our role to be, we are all important.
Over the past couple of days, as part of my processing of my dad’s passing, I have been talking to friends and family and looking through endless pictures. Each conversation and each picture represents a part of my dad’s life. As I looked through the scores of pictures, there were those who appeared in the pictures with him over and over, and then there were those for whom there is only one picture. We encounter so many people throughout our lives. I’m certain that those who have been a part of our lives for a long time have significant roles to play in our development, but it is amazing that sometimes those chance encounters can precipitate a new path or direction in our lives.
I think of those who have played significant roles in my life. I can see clear faces and know the names of so many of these key players, but then there are those whose names now elude me and whose faces are blurred. They may have only crossed my path for a brief moment, but their act of kindness or compassion played a key role in my development.
Paul lists all of these friends, family, and fellow believers in this passage because they each are important. Even though the names and faces may pass away, their actions cause ripples throughout our lives. Christ has died, Christ is risen, Christ will come again. From the birth of the baby Jesus through the death and resurrection of Christ, our world, and our lives will never be the same.
Seeing God, Thank You for being with us. Thank you! You place people along our pathways to lead us when we are lost and uncertain. Meeting these people seem like chance encounters, but they are placed to guide us by You. In Jesus’ name, we pray. Amen
Thought for the day: Every person is important to God.
You are important in God’s plan! Pastor Liz
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