How do you sign off your letters? Maybe you end them with “love,” or “sincerely,” before signing. As a teenager I ended most of them “Signed Sincerely, Jack,” referring to a song I loved back then. A bit redundant, but it held meaning for me as a teen!
The Epistle to the Romans, also known as the Book of Romans, is the longest of Paul’s epistles. It holds many critical readings necessary to understanding the depth of the Christian faith, and it’s believed to serve a specific purpose: to explain that salvation is offered through the Gospel. Romans is a powerful read, and one that’s filled to the brim with messages of salvation, transformation, and – hope.
Paul signs off multiple times through the epistle- sometimes with words resembling a benediction, and other times with an urge or a request. But the one that calls my attention today is found about halfway through Romans 15. In verse 13, Paul writes, “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.” And what a sign-off that is! A necessary one these days.
Anxiety rates are rising, and there’s no surprise why. We’re fed constant streams of bad news and tragedy online; the world’s becoming more expensive by the year; and division all over makes it more difficult for us to feel connected in peace and joy. But Paul’s sign-off gives us a different perspective that lifts my heart and fills me with hope and joy. He didn’t tell us we’d receive these blessings from just anywhere, but somewhere – someone – specific. As it says: “may the God of hope fill you” with the blessings above.
God used Paul, and this letter, to inspire hope for all back then, and today. Something as simple as signing off on a letter still sparks positivity and light thousands of years later. How much more can God use us today to spread these messages of hope, joy, peace, and more? We could encourage one another in conversation, on social media, or any number of places by reminding one another that our hope comes from the Lord – from the God of Hope. I pray you’ll give it a shot in your own life this week!
“Greater love has no one than this: to lay down one’s life for one’s friends.” John 15:13
Jack Cochran
Pastor – Seadrift UMC
Please join us on Sundays at 11:00 a,m,
