Contemplative Bible Reading

Romans 5:2 (New Living Translation)

2 Because of our faith, Christ has brought us into this place of undeserved privilege where we now stand, and we confidently and joyfully look forward to sharing God’s glory.

This is one of those verses that summarizes the New Testament in one sentence.

Believing that Jesus of Nazareth is the Son of God (even though we see no physical proof of that), brings us to our current place: a place of undeserved privilege. What privilege? I know that what happens day to day doesn’t matter that much in the long run. I know that, but some days I doubt that. I am still human with my human weaknesses. I have bad days. I get tired (more now than 20 years ago), so tired I just want to close my eyes and take a nap (which I do more now than 20 years ago).

Despite my human weakness, I am in a place of undeserved privilege. Now what? Well, this sentence continues and tells me to confidently and joyfully share God’s glory in the future (and now, too, but that is another topic for another day).

Confidence. That is another one of many privileges I have. I am a confident person. That confidence was passed along to me through countless persons who had faith in Jesus. I don’t know a life without such confidence. I see it in others who also have Jesus in their lives. And I see a lack of confidence in those who don’t have the faith.

Again, this sentence is the entire New Testament. We could go on and on with what it means and how my life is different because of it.

For now, one thing: understand some of the privileges. Live them for others to see. Pray when in doubt.