David Bahn – Reflections

Romans 15:22-33

This is the reason why I have so often been hindered from coming to you. 23 But now, since I no longer have any room for work in these regions, and since I have longed for many years to come to you, 24 I hope to see you in passing as I goto Spain, and to be helped on my journey there by you, once I have enjoyed your company for a while. 25 At present, however, I am going to Jerusalem bringing aid to the saints. 26 For Macedonia and Achaia have been pleased to make some contribution for the poor among the saints at Jerusalem. 27 For they were pleased to do it, and indeed they owe it to them. For if the Gentiles have come to share in their spiritual blessings, they ought also to be of service to them in material blessings. 28 When therefore I have completed this and have delivered to them what has been collected, I will leave for Spain by way of you. 29 I know that when I come to you I will come in the fullness of the blessing of Christ.

30 I appeal to you, brothers, by our Lord Jesus Christ and by the love of the Spirit, to strive together with me in your prayers to God on my behalf, 31 that I may be delivered from the unbelievers in Judea, and that my service for Jerusalem may be acceptable to the saints, 32 so that by God’s will I may come to you with joy and be refreshed in your company.33 May the God of peace be with you all. Amen.

When I was 11 years old, I invited a friend to my “house” to swim. The house was actually the Sands Motel, which my parents had built over the years. One of true building projects was a swimming pool, which I enjoyed greatly. I was looking forward to having my friend visit. Unfortunately, however, he was unable to come at the last minute, and I was very disappointed. My dad offered a consolation: “Maybe it was for the best. If he had come there might have been an accident.” It was some, albeit small, consolation.

We don’t always know the fullest implications of our plans or desires. We sometimes have such a short view of life and our own desires that we lose sight of our own limited understanding and perspective. We don’t understand the difference between what and how or when. But the difference is an important one.

Paul wishes to come to Rome, to be refreshed by the company of the believers there. He wishes for the opportunity to encourage and be encouraged together in Christ. But not only so; he wishes to go on to Spain, having experienced the sweet fellowship of the Christians in Rome. His desire was for the experience of Jesus’ high priestly prayer being answered. ““I do not ask for these only, but also for those who will believe in me through their word, 21 that they may all be one, just as you, Father, are in me, and I in you, that they also may be in us, so that the world may believe that you have sent me” (John 17:20-21). 

The unity of God’s people in Rome would propel Paul on to Spain. The gospel would be spread. The world would know that Jesus was sent by God. God’s kingdom would come among and through them all. In the mean time, however, he was compelled to go to Jerusalem. The road to Rome, and beyond – if that is to be – will be through Jerusalem, imprisonment, treachery, and shipwreck.

There is no doubt that God would see his people in perfect unity, and the world brought to faith in Jesus as the Son of God and Savior of the world. The question of his will is not what, but how and when. Our part in that may involve joy or disappointment. But it’s end is better by far than escaping a far worse possibility. Such is the stuff of true peace.