Wednesday 27 December 2023

Psalm 116

Background

Remember the coat keeper from our reading yesterday? Saul who approved of the killing of Stephen as a false believer is now known as Paul since his meeting with Christ on the road to Damascus (Acts 9).

Here we find him writing to the Early Church in Rome. Remember that letters were intended to be read out to an assembly of people – some of whom would have been illiterate or find reading difficult – and so his listeners would have heard words of encouragement for their lives and for living life founded on their new faith in Christ.

 Perhaps the most astonishing, yet also the most encouraging, thing he wrote is to be found in verses 5, 14 and 16.

 As a staunch Jew, Saul/Paul would have grown up being told that God favoured one people – the Jews – that they were the chosen race and a special people among all the nations.

 Now, however, this high-born staunch Jew is telling his listeners that, because of what God has done through the life, death and resurrection of Jesus Christ all are welcomed by God.

 Paul is writing a letter that is fully inclusive – what may have started with the Jews has now broken the boundaries of tradition and expectations and God is calling all people – from whatever nationality and background – to a journey of faith with God.

The walls that have held people apart and divided their lives are well and truly tumbled down.

 To Ponder:

• When and where have you met prejudice against people of faith in your life and living?

Prayer

Lord, help me always to see first and foremost the humanity in another without bias, prejudice or fear. Amen.