Romans 15:23-25 (NIV)
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 to have you 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.

Reflection:

Paul was completely immersed in the Gospel. He had done everything he was supposed to do in the East and now was planning to go to a land located at the end of the known world, Spain. In an era where there were no automobiles, trains or planes, the distance of Paul’s journeys was significant. From Jerusalem to Rome is an estimated 1400 miles and from Rome to Spain another 600-1200 miles (depending on the region). But before embarking on this long journey to Spain, he had to first go back a few hundred miles to Jerusalem to deliver a special offering (collected by the Gentiles) for the poor Jerusalem believers. God gave him a big vision for His mission, and he was going to go all out for this; he was not going to stop!

Paul not only wanted to see his friends and coworkers in the Roman church again, but he also desired to take the Gospel to the next uncharted territory. Paul’s passion and life testimony truly embodied the gospel. May we also become that immersed in the Gospel with our own lives, receiving big dreams to share the good news with all people.

Responding to the message:

Let’s spend time in prayer, asking the Lord to give us His heart of urgency and eagerness to take the Gospel to the lost and the brokenhearted. May we receive visions and big dreams to share this good news to all!