Romans 10:8b-13
8b “The word is near you,
on your lips and in your heart”
(that is, the word of faith that we proclaim); 9 because if you confess with your lips that Jesus is Lord and believe in your heart that God raised him from the dead, you will be saved. 10 For one believes with the heart and so is justified, and one confesses with the mouth and so is saved. 11 The scripture says, “No one who believes in him will be put to shame.” 12 For there is no distinction between Jew and Greek; the same Lord is Lord of all and is generous to all who call on him. 13 For, “Everyone who calls on the name of the Lord shall be saved.”
“… 8b “The word is near you, on your lips and in your heart” …”
Paul’s point is powerful. Because of the presence of the Spirit in our lives, the Word of God is ever near us. From our lips we proclaim Christ through our songs, our prayers, our praise, and our witness to the Good News. Through the Spirit, that same Word dwellsin our hearts, bringing us comfort, peace, consolation, and hope.
Recognizing the nearness of the Word, we live each day trusting in the promise of new life through the death and resurrection of our Lord Jesus Christ. We live in the certainty that because Jesus lives, we live also; and that nothing can separate us from the love of God in Christ Jesus. Hope, joy and peace follow.
Today, and every day, call to mind that nearness. Speak of it in your prayers. Share it with family, friends, and colleagues. Live it as you go about your daily business. Make remembering it part of your daily routine. Doing so will enable you live each day trusting in Jesus’ promise to be with you always, to the close of the age.
Prayer: Thank you, Lord, for the nearness of Your Word. Fill me this day with Your Spirit that I may live in the fullness of your hope, joy, and peace; and that I may share Your blessings with others. Amen.