“11 But more than that, we even boast in God through our Lord Jesus Christ, through whom we have now received reconciliation. (Romans 5: 11)”
Paul opens chapter 5 of Romans by looking at the benefits of being justified by faith. He talks about being able to boast. We can boast because, by believing God’s promises and trusting him, we come into right relationship with God. He is the creator, the “boss,” and we are the creation. He knows how his creation works best, perhaps not as rules we get punished for breaking but guidelines when obeyed and followed reap relationship and rewards. God could have made robots to run his universe but he created people who have free will to accept or reject his kingdom. When we accept his way we have hope for our future because we know God is fighting for us and with us. We can boast about that.
We can boast also because we know suffering has purpose and is not God playing games with us. But now Paul adds a third boast, a third dimension to salvation. We are saved not because of our works but because of God’s gift. We are reconciled through Christ. God loved us so much he incarnated, lived by our rules, died on the cross, and walked through death for us. God cares about you and me. That the God of the universe loves us is boast worthy!
The Internet dictionary defines reconciliation as, “restore friendly relations between.” It reminds me of the story in the Old Testament of the relationship between King David and his son Absalom. Absolut killed his half brother Ammon because Ammon raped Absalom’s sister Tamar. Absolut was forgiven but banned from seeing King David. That was not reconciliation. Friendly relations were not restored. Sometimes we express it by saying we forgive but we don’t forget. It is easy to bring up “dirty laundry” when the next offense occurs. God does not act like that. We are now free to be in respectful relationship with God.
The Living Bible translates “boasting” as “rejoicing.” The Message says we can shout our praises. I like the texture those give. We can rejoice because we have received a wonderful gift through faith that we did not deserve, that gives us hope and strength during tough days and that confirms God loves us. It’s hard to get your heart around. Today let’s take a moment to thank God and pray for grace to grow in understanding as we continue to read Romans. Blessings.
On the Way to Wonder 