Slices
Prepare
Pray this Bible reader’s prayer: ‘Lord, may your Word be my rule, may your Holy Spirit be my teacher and may I be a good learner today. Amen.’
Bible passage
Paul’s plan to visit Rome
23 But now that there is no more place for me to work in these regions, and since I have been longing for many years to visit you, 24 I plan to do so when I go to Spain. I hope to see you while passing through and that you will assist me on my journey there, after I have enjoyed your company for a while. 25 Now, however, I am on my way to Jerusalem in the service of the Lord’s people there. 26 For Macedonia and Achaia were pleased to make a contribution for the poor among the Lord’s people in Jerusalem. 27 They were pleased to do it, and indeed they owe it to them. For if the Gentiles have shared in the Jews’ spiritual blessings, they owe it to the Jews to share with them their material blessings. 28 So after I have completed this task and have made sure that they have received this contribution, I will go to Spain and visit you on the way. 29 I know that when I come to you, I will come in the full measure of the blessing of Christ.
30 I urge you, brothers and sisters, by our Lord Jesus Christ and by the love of the Spirit, to join me in my struggle by praying to God for me. 31 Pray that I may be kept safe from the unbelievers in Judea and that the contribution I take to Jerusalem may be favourably received by the Lord’s people there, 32 so that I may come to you with joy, by God’s will, and in your company be refreshed. 33 The God of peace be with you all. Amen.
Explore
Life was never easy for Paul. But he must have been worried about road safety. Bandits were common. He was uninsured, on a long journey, carrying a large amount of cash collected from the churches of Macedonia and Greece to relieve poverty in their ‘mother’ church in Jerusalem. Was he carrying large bags of gold coins? Sea travel was hazardous too. Paul was shipwrecked four times in all.
Also, if he arrived in Jerusalem safely, he faced an uncertain reception. Jewish opponents might block him or even try to kill him (as did in fact happen, Acts 23:12–22) and Jewish Christians might not accept a gift from Gentile Christians (v 31), or they might not see the importance of believers from different cultures helping each other in a united church (v 17). Moreover, Paul was determined, under God, to go to Spain (another long journey!) and yet he longed to visit the church at Rome for some fellowship and support (vs 23,24,28,32).
So, please pray! he urged (v 30). Even if we are trying to do God’s will and are mindful of God’s good providence, we still need the prayers of the Christian family, and they need ours.
Respond
Is there a church or Christian organisation that has helped you spiritually in the past that you can now help financially or through prayer, to say thank you?
Bible in a year
Read the Bible in a year: Job 27,28; Luke 22
Pray for Scripture Union
The Central team will be providing a catering village at Dreaming the Impossible, a national youth event which runs 2–7 August. This will provide training for leaders and space for young people to reflect. Pray that this will result in life-giving encounters with Jesus.
