Romans 8:31-35, 37-39
What then are we to say about these things? If God is for us, who is against us? He who did not withhold his own Son but gave him up for all of us, how will he not with him also give us everything else? Who will bring any charge against God’s elect? It is God who justifies. Who is to condemn? It is Christ who died, or rather, who was raised, who is also at the right hand of God, who also intercedes for us. Who will separate us from the love of Christ? Will affliction or distress or persecution or famine or nakedness or peril or sword? No, in all these things we are more than victorious through him who loved us. For I am convinced that neither death, nor life, nor angels, nor rulers, nor things present, nor things to come, nor powers, nor height, nor depth, nor anything else in all creation will be able to separate us from the love of God in Christ Jesus our Lord. Romans 8:31-35, 37-39 (NRSVUE)
I attended my first St Louis Cardinals baseball game in September of 1964. They were in a tight pennant race and it came down to the last series of the season against the Mets. If the Cards could win one of those three games, they would go on to the World Series (no playoffs back then). They lost the first two games, so it came down to the final game of the season. My uncle must have had connections to somebody important because he got us tickets. It was a great game and the Cards won 11-5. On to the World Series! I was hooked, and have been a dedicated fan ever since.
The term fan is short for “fanatic” and was first used in the Kansas City Times in 1885. Sports fanatics can be fickle. When their team is winning, they love them, but let the team start losing, and the tone can turn ugly. It is my opinion that a real fan supports their team no matter what. They may not be pretty to watch (the Cards are bad this year, sigh) but a true fan always backs their team.
As much as I enjoy baseball, it’s not important in the long run. It gives me joy – Cards beat the Yankees for the World Series title in 1964. It gives me pain – Cards have the worst record in the National League so far this year – ouch.
The team that is important in the long run is God’s team. There are lots of distractions – like sports – that take us away from God. But today’s Bible verse reminds us …that neither death, nor life, nor angels, nor rulers, nor things present, nor things to come, nor powers, nor height, nor depth, nor anything else in all creation will be able to separate us from the love of God in Christ Jesus our Lord.
Be a fan(atic) for God. He showers us with unreasoning, over-zealous, love and joy, and it never wanes. I am always on God’s team, because I know he has my back.
Questions for Reflection:
- Are there distractions keeping you away from God?
- What are you a “fanatic” for?
Prayer
Lord, it is comforting to know that nothing can separate me from your love. Even if I don’t understand your plans or how you answer my prayers, I know you’ve got my best interests at heart. Guide me to share that love with those around me. Amen.
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