The God of Peace

Assuring Hope
Comfort for Gods People

Romans 15:25-33 (The Message)
 ^25-29First, though, I'm going to Jerusalem to deliver a relief offering to the followers of Jesus there. The Greeks—all the way from the Macedonians in the north to the Achaians in the south—decided they wanted to take up a collection for the poor among the believers in Jerusalem. They were happy to do this, but it was also their duty. Seeing that they got in on all the spiritual gifts that flowed out of the Jerusalem community so generously, it is only right that they do what they can to relieve their poverty. As soon as I have done this—personally handed over this "fruit basket"—I'm off to Spain, with a stopover with you in Rome. My hope is that my visit with you is going to be one of Christ's more extravagant blessings.
 ^30-33I have one request, dear friends: Pray for me. Pray strenuously with and for me—to God the Father, through the power of our Master Jesus, through the love of the Spirit—that I will be delivered from the lions' den of unbelievers in Judea. Pray also that my relief offering to the Jerusalem believers will be accepted in the spirit in which it is given. Then, God willing, I'll be on my way to you with a light and eager heart, looking forward to being refreshed by your company. God's peace be with all of you. Oh, yes!

For Reflection
In Christ there is peace.  It is a peace, however, that is not without tension. The apostle is doing the work God intends.  It is the work of a God who seeks reconciliation, not dominance.
And yet, Paul prays that the help he brings will be accepted in the spirit in which it was intended.  Think of a time when your peace offering, your attempt at helping was not accepted and your effort misinterpreted.  Peace-making is not always easy.

Pray
that the grace of God will flow like a fountain through you and make your efforts to help others a fruitful God centered experience.  Pray for those whose lives are dedicated to peaceful reconciliation.  Pray for those whose godlessness discourages peaceful reconciliation.