Devotional - The Whole of History (Part I)

Devotional – The Whole of History - Romans 1:1-2

Paul's introduction in the book of Romans is not really about Paul; it's about God, and all that God has done and will do in the history of his creation.

Paul, a servant of Christ Jesus, called to be an apostle, set apart for the gospel of God,

It’s so interesting that in the introductory part of the letter, Paul immediately takes the attention off of himself – and puts it squarely on God. And he does so as an apostle – one speaking God’s words; so we can conclude this: God is a very God-centered God. God cares most about God. Paul’s identity is as a bearer of God’s good news – not in boasting about what he’s done or who he is. And God has communicated to people through Paul. God chose to speak to us!

which he promised beforehand through his prophets in the holy Scriptures,

And this identity isn’t totally even unique to Paul. Paul’s merely the bearer of God’s message. To us, that begs two questions. 1) Am I in submission to this message as I read God’s word? Really? 2) How do I think of myself? Do I make much of me? Do I seek good things outside of the gospel? Or do I celebrate what was promised –

“Thus says the LORD:
‘Keep justice, and do righteousness,
for soon my salvation will come,
and my deliverance be revealed.” (Isaiah 56:1)

And this promise – the promise of the gospel that happened through the prophets before Jesus – this does a couple things. First, it confirms the message we now hear. The good news about salvation, forgiveness, and the Kingdom because of Jesus’ death and resurrection – is true. Oh let it sink into our hearts that this is reality!

Second, it shows us that the promise that had not been realized – but NOW, God has begun to fulfill his promises. We live in the era of world history in which God has revealed himself: Jesus has showed us the only God – our Creator – since he is our Creator – the image of the invisible God (Colossians 1:15). This is cause for celebration!

Consider all the good news in these verses – God is about God. God has chosen to communicate his words to people. God brings us good news. God verifies this good news. God has revealed to us the fullness of the good news – in the person and work of Jesus the Messiah, the one who died, who lives, who reigns, and who is coming to judge and to gather his people to himself. Praise be to God!