Romans 8:31-39

Be Still: Father help me as I read your Word. By your Spirit, I want to become more like Jesus today. Amen. 

Read: Romans 8: 31-39

'Christ Jesus who died—more than that, who was raised to life—is at the right hand of God and is also interceding for us. Who shall separate us from the love of Christ?' (v34,35)

Encounter: When you know that someone is for you, it makes a real difference. I remember as a teenager shouting at the TV, 'C’mon Tim!' as I joined in with the Wimbledon crowds to encourage Tim Henman through the Wimbledon championship. That support must have made a difference to the way he played. 

This passage tells us that God himself is for us and his support is not conditional on our performance but is guaranteed, because of our standing in Jesus Christ. And when you know that someone is praying for you, that can make a real difference too. If a friend messages me to tell me they’re praying for me, I feel carried by their prayers. 

This passage tells us that Jesus himself is praying for us. Jesus who died for our sins, was raised to life, is ascended, and has sat down at the right hand of the Father, is also interceding for us. Take a moment to reflect on this: Jesus is in heaven, praying for you, right now. Nothing can separate us from the love of God that we have in Christ Jesus: No condemnation, no lie, neither death nor life, and the list goes on…nothing can separate us. God is for you and Jesus is praying for you.  

Apply: St Paul writes that he is convinced, that nothing will separate us from God’s love. What might it look like today, although we will inevitably face troubles, to live convinced of this? being secure in his guaranteed love, support and prayers will make all the difference. We will be 'more than conquerors through him that loved us.'

Devote: Thank you Father that you love me and are for me. Thank you, Jesus, that you are in heaven praying for me today. Thank you, Holy Spirit, that you are living in me today.