By Travis Lauterbach
I’ve been meditating a lot on a Scripture passage the past several days, especially in my pastoral visits.
St. Paul writes, “Neither death, nor life, nor angels, nor principalities, nor powers, nor things present, nor things to come, Nor height, nor depth, nor any other creature, shall be able to separate us from the love of God, which is in Christ Jesus our Lord” (Romans 8:38-39, KJV).
What words of tremendous comfort!
All people have their afflictions that disrupt their peace and wellbeing. For many it’s the sufferings of various illnesses or injuries. Others face unrest from a guilty conscience or struggle against the devil’s temptations. Some may come to know the fragility of life and fear the reality of death itself.
Into the midst of struggles, trials, and sufferings Paul speaks words of certainty.
Earlier Paul explains that God didn’t spare His Son, sending Him to this world for its salvation. Jesus went to the cross bearing the sins of the whole world, and from that death comes forgiveness of sins and life through His resurrection. Paul confidently says that with Christ Jesus comes everything good.
Out of great love, Jesus has accomplished this. He is for all people, inviting all to abide in His love.
Furthermore, the promise is that nothing can come between Jesus and all who abide in His love.
He forgives sins. He promises eternal life despite death. He promises ultimate healing on the last day. He defeated the evil foe. And so much more.
Jesus offers a true peace and comfort that can’t be completely found anywhere else.
This gives Paul the confidence to speak boldly regarding the certainty of Jesus’ love.
