Now looking at the last key word (moving backwards) in Romans 5:2...
"We rejoice in the hope of the glory of God."
Rejoicing involves joy... it's expressing the joy we have. And joy comes from a God-perspective of our lives. Paul has just been talking about the miracle of faith and how through the simple act of believing, we have peace with God (5:1). This peace, this relationship with God doesn't come through doing the right things or even by obeying rules (4:13). Looking just a bit further down the passage, and we see one of the most amazing statements in the Bible: "But God demonstrates his own love for us in this: While we were still sinners, Christ died for us." (5:8)
What does rejoicing mean to you? How do you rejoice in the present situations you are in right now? Please share with us, if you feel comfortable.
Monday, November 26, 2007
The Joy
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James 1:2 says that we are to "consider it pure JOY whenever we face trials", because we know that this testing of our faith develops perseverance. And in I Peter... if we rejoice even though suffering trials, that our faith, of greater worth than gold, will be proved genuine thru fire. This last year, with new challenges and pain, it has sometimes been difficult to remember these promises. But I need to keep focused, that in stepping out in faith first and in praising God, then he fills with the "inexpressible joy". The Israelites had to step INto the raging flood first, get their feet wet, in faith that God was there, before he held it up. I believe He expects the same of us today.
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