July 4 - Romans 16: The Melody of Heaven

Does it seem like we just finished reading the "chewiest" book of the Bible? The "premier document of Christian theology" (Peterson)? Or does it feel more like we've just heard singing of "the scriptural melody" (Green) and entered "the cathedral of the Christian faith" (Godet)? I'd say yes. Yes, we have just read very heady doctrine and yes, we have experienced the music of truth that frees us to dance. Reading the book of Romans in the Message version has revealed more facets of this foundational book. 


As we come to the end of Paul's very serious letter, this final chapter can seem a little out of place. It has the familiar tone of a casual note, not the formal closure of a doctrinal treatise. I'm left wondering what to do with all these "hellos" to unknown friends and relatives of Paul's. Crabb shares an idea of what God's up to in this last chapter:

"...do not read the last chapter of this letter as a mere appendix. The melody of heaven can be heard in every verse. Eleven times I moved Paul to focus every relationship, every life, where it belongs:  on My Son. Notice:  in the Lord (verse 2), in Christ Jesus (verse 3), to Christ (verse 5), in Christ (verse 7), in the Lord (verse 8), in Christ (verse 9), in Christ (verse 10), in the Lord (verse 11), in the Lord (twice in verse 12), and in the Lord (verse 13). I have a good time watching My children depend on and live in and enjoy My Son. There's no one like Him. But soon the earth will be filled with people in whom the character of My Son is fully formed and the life of My Son is passionately released. And you'll be one of them.

"But understand this: many people, including too many of My followers, continue to relate with others for their own purposes. They use people like ticks use dogs. When My enemy seems to be winning in the world or in the church or in your life, don't be troubled. Hear the music of verse 20: 'The God of peace will soon crush Satan under your feet.' Think hard about all that I tell you. And let your imagination soar. I have a plan. It's a good one. You can only imagine how good. You, the beloved, are becoming a lover."  (66LL)

Do you sense God forming and releasing the character of Christ in you as you let these truths sink in? He says it's happening and asks us to think and imagine what it is to be a lover of God.