Tuesday, December 31, 2002

Go into all the world and proclaim the good news to the whole creation... Mark 16: 15b

The apostle Paul wrote these words, For I am convinced that neither death, nor life, nor angels, nor rulers, nor things present, nor things to come, nor powers, nor height, nor depth, nor anything in all creation, will be able to separate us from the love of God in Christ Jesus our Lord. (Romans 8:38-39)

With these words, Paul reminds us that in the midst of despair the love of Christ remains with us. That in times of turmoil and confusion the love of Christ remains with us. That in times of pain and sorrow; anger and grief; loss and depression the love of Christ remains with us. That in the midst of chaos and confusion, where the world seems to have gone mad, that the love of Christ remains with us.

The good news that Paul is proclaiming to all of creation brings a sense of hope and life into situations where worlds come tumbling down. On September 11, 2001 large planes collided into large buildings and as we watched two large towers came tumbling to the ground. And the world changed.

And for a moment, a time, a fraction in human history one wondered, "Has death won? Has hatred triumphed over love? Has revenge destroyed reconciliation?"

And Paul whispers to us throughout history that the love of Christ remains with us!

And Paul announces for all to hear, For I am not ashamed of the gospel; it is the power of God for salvation to everyone who has faith, to the Jew first and also to the Greek. For in it the righteousness of God is revealed through faith for faith; as it is written, "The one who is righteous will live by faith." (Romans 1:16-17)

And Paul roars! For I am convinced that neither death, nor life, nor angels, nor rulers, nor things present, nor things to come, nor powers, nor height, nor depth, nor anything in all creation, will be able to separate us from the love of God in Christ Jesus our Lord. (Romans 8:38-39) . And hope and life prove once again through Jesus Christ to have the final say.

Worlds may come tumbling down. Whether it be the destruction of towers and the subsequent loss of life. Whether it be the loss of financial security, the death of a dream, a loved one, a divorce, a misguided sense of national invulnerability. Worlds come tumbling down.

And in the midst of it all Christ remains with us meaning hope and life have more to say.

For God hasn't given up on the human family. And God isn't finished with us. God's love remains steadfast. Hope continues. Life continues. Amen

John Ruiz

All contents copyright 2002 by the Wisconsin Chapter of the Methodist Federation for Social Action. Permission is granted to United Methodist congregations, individuals and groups to reproduce and distribute this devotional without charge. All other use requires the advance permission of the editor.