Mic Drop February 18, 2017

³⁸ For I am sure that neither death nor life, nor angels nor rulers, nor things present nor things to come, nor powers, ³⁹ nor height nor depth, nor anything else in all creation, will be able to separate us from the love of God in Christ Jesus our Lord.

Romans 8:38-39 ESV 

Nor divorce, nor addiction, nor unemployment, nor cancer, nor bankruptcy, nor (fill in the blank).

There are passages in the Bible that are open to a variety of interpretations, but not today's verse.  Paul leaves no room for any doubt about the constancy of God's love.  Take minute to reread the passage.  Linger on each "nor".  Let the assurance of God's message wash over you.  Allow the finality of these two short verses sink in. Take heart in the lack of any ambiguity.  Let the tears of release and reassurance flow down your cheeks. 

We will NEVER be separated from God's love.  No person, not even ourselves.  No situation, not even those we personally create.  Many people take assurance from these verses when confronted with situations that are not self-inflicted and beyond their control; however, when it comes to personal sin, perhaps we are not as confident.  We think that God's love for us will survive the worst the world can throw at us, but somehow our personal sin will cause God to withdraw his love.  

Not only does that fly in the face of God's promise, but it highlights just how proud and arrogant we can be.  "Sure God will love me through the worst the world and Satan has to offer, but MY sin is so evil, repugnant, and awful that God could not possible still love me."  

  

But scripture states, "ANYTHING else in all creation" will separate us from God's love.

"Yeah, anything but my sin.  My sin is just too much for the Creator, the Provider, the Alpha and Omega.  He has never seen anything like me before!  My sin deserves a Oscar in the category "Worst Sin Ever".

If Satan can get us to believe that lie, we are not only calling God a liar, but distancing ourselves further from the peace, rest, and comfort Jesus promises his children.

NOTHING can separate us from Abba's love.  End of story.  Don't analyze.  Don't argue.  Just celebrate and praise Him for the promise.