Loved!

Loved!

Romans 8:38-39 KJV

[38] For I am persuaded, that neither death, nor life, nor angels, nor principalities, nor powers, nor things present, nor things to come, [39] nor height, nor depth, nor any other creature, shall be able to separate us from the love of God, which is in Christ Jesus our Lord.

Persuasion, conviction and confidence come from a place of personal encounter with the One who guarantees the subject of that confidence. If I seek to build a house, I do not go to a dentist with no expertise, knowledge or experience of how to design and set up a building. I go to an architect, then a building engineer, as well as other qualified artisans who can bring their knowledge and experience to bear on the work. In the same way, if I seek eternal life, I do not go to the devil whose eternal damnation is already sealed and certain. I go to the One who has conquered death and the grave, and has won life for me by His resurrection. A man cannot give what he does not have. Paul would know the truth of that statement, having had to experience both worlds: knowing the love of God, as well as His wrath, keeps you focused. 

Having tasted life, Paul knew where His priorities lay. Having been saved from certain death, he knew what was now important. Being in Christ Jesus is such a blessing that all of this earthly life cannot comprehend or fully understand. There are things that this earth cannot fully comprehend about the love of God. How does a holy God stand the sin and iniquity of mortal man? How does the immortal God endure the constant and irrational disobedience and rebellion of mere men? It is the love of God that can explain these things. God's love is described in so many ways in the Bible that time and space will not permit us to fully lay out here, but one thing is sure: God's love will not make sense until you have personally experienced it. Until you walk in it, you will likely not be able to speak about it. Paul did, and so, Paul could. 

Check out the valid excuses others may have, but which to Paul, were nothing. The world is focused on such themes as death and life, principalities, powers, angels, height, depth, or anything else this world has raised as valid distractions for those who are under its control and influence, but the man who is focused on the love of God knows the right order of priorities. Pressure from the world may make others lose their faith, but for those who have seen love in its pure form, you press on, knowing the eternal value of what yoi have and who you know. The life of Jesus has saved me from the curse of sin and death. I walk in a new reality, which is that I am safe and secure in the love of God. There is nothing more powerful than the God who called me to Himself. He will preserve to the end, and secure me a home with Him at the end of this earthly phase. Who else can give me that? God's time of favour is here.