“For this reason, I have often been prevented from coming to you…” (Romans 15:22)
Paul had so many plans… so many people he wanted to see and places he wanted to go. He didn’t always get what he wanted, though. Paul wanted to see Rome and spend time with the Christians there, but he had been prevented from visiting. He says he had longed to see them for “many years” – that’s a long time for hope to go unfulfilled!
Perhaps you have hopes which aren’t yet fulfilled. When our hope is deferred, it can leave us with heart sickness (see Proverbs 13:12), but just remember God’s timing is perfect. Paul ended up in Rome just when he needed to be, and he arrived a prisoner… certainly not the timing or arrival Paul would have planned! God knew what was best with Paul. He knows what is best with you, too.
Today’s Reading: Romans 15:22-33
Questions to ask:
- How is Paul feeling as he writes today’s passage? What is his mood?
- What are the central themes in Paul’s preaching and teaching which are being emphasized, or how are the central themes in this epistle being emphasized in today’s reading?
- How does our reading show Paul’s people skills, especially how he handles conflict?
- What in this passage would change the lives of the believer(s) being addressed? How does it make me a better disciple?
- How does this show the “good news” of the gospel? How can I share that with someone else?
This year, #Biblebites are following the life and writings of Paul. If you would like a copy of the reading schedule, you can view it here: https://eastlandchristians.org/news-events/2023-vision