Wednesday, December 19, 2018
by Lana Teko-Ahatefou
Romans 15:4-13(NIV)
For everything that was written in the past was written to teach us, so that through the endurance taught
in the Scriptures and the encouragement they provide we might have hope. May the God who gives
endurance and encouragement give you the same attitude of mind toward each other that Christ Jesus had,
so that with one mind and one voice you may glorify the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ. Accept
one another, then, just as Christ accepted you, in order to bring praise to God. For I tell you that Christ has
become a servant of the Jews on behalf of God’s truth, so that the promises made to the patriarchs might
be confirmed and, moreover, that the Gentiles might glorify God for his mercy. As it is written: “Therefore I
will praise you among the Gentiles; I will sing the praises of your name.” Again, it says, “Rejoice, you
Gentiles, with his people.” And again, “Praise the Lord, all you Gentiles; let all the peoples extol him.” And
again, Isaiah says, “The Root of Jesse will spring up, one who will arise to rule over the nations; in him the
Gentiles will hope.” May the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace as you trust in him, so that you may
overflow with hope by the power of the Holy Spirit.
Hope of a Child
Children really know what it means to hope! Believing expectantly in each promise, they appear to
“overflow” with hope. God wants us all to hope in Him this way; but it seems that the longer we live in
the world, the more difficult it becomes.
In this passage Paul tells us that the scriptures were written not only to teach us, but to give us hope. He
then reveals to us how to have renewed hope to “overflow” as we see in the hope of a child.
Paul expects that we will know and meditate on the promises in the old testament. He instructs us to
welcome one another for the purpose of glorifying God with a united voice, because the promises are for
all. Then he requires that we believe that the promises are fulfilled through Christ.
In believing, God (the author of a strong, true, and lasting hope) fills us with a constant state of pleasure
in knowing His enduring love and a calm serenity from knowing His unceasing presence. Empowered by
the Holy Spirit, it is ultimately our faith that renews us to “overflow” of hope.
Father God, thank you for sending us the Christ child. Fill us with your spirit and strengthen our
faith as you renew in us the overflowing hope of a child. We ask this in Jesus name. Amen.