Thursday prior to Lent 2

Romans 5:1-11—Paul teaches that Christians have peace with God through the reconciliation made possible by the cross. This lesson is a transition from justification by faith to a life of faith beginning with chapter 6.  Hence we have Paul’s “therefore” (v.1).  By grace through faith, we are one with God in peace and harmony. Out of this relationship come reasons to rejoice: that we share in the glory of God (verse 2) that we experience suffering that eventuates in hope (verses 3, 4); and that we are reconciled to God through Christ (verse11).

All of the good things God has earned for us through Christ are present possessions. Here and now we “have” peace with God. We have access to God’s grace. We are reconciled. Consequently, the gospel is not “pie in the sky bye and bye.” When Christ dies for us, we were reconciled to God, and that reconciliation became a present reality by faith.

We know Christ died for sinners. But what kind of sinners – repentant, converted sinners? The word “yet” in verse eight indicates that God’s love was expressed on the cross even before people repented and turned to God. While we were yet sinners – going our own rebellious ways, denying and cursing God, and living like the devil. Christ died for us in love. Thus, we do not first repent and then come for mercy. Before we came, God had already had mercy and has forgiven. Now we come because we have experienced God’s mercy and this leads us to repent. [1]

A Prayer for humility: O God, You resist the proud and give grace to the humble. Grant us true humility after the likeness of Your only Son that we may never be arrogant and prideful and thus provoke Your wrath but in all lowliness be made partakers of the gifts of Your grace; through Jesus Christ, our Lord.[2]

 

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[1] Lectionary Preaching Workbook Series B John Brokhoff © 1981 CSS Publishing, Lima, OH

[2] A Prayer for humility, Lutheran Service Book © 2006 Lutheran Service Book, Concordia Publishing House, St. Louis

Illustration of the Crucifixion from a woodcut by Baron Julius Schnoor von Carolsfeld, 1794-1872, a distinguished German artist known especially for his book, The Book of Books in Pictures. Copyright © WLS permission granted for congregational and personal use.