Romans 15:25-29 (NIVUK)
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.
After his conversion, Paul dedicated himself to mission. He is best known for his evangelistic work, declaring the gospel on his many missionary journeys. What is often overlooked is the other aspect of his work. As he travelled, he collected money from those he met to take to the Jewish Christians facing hardship back in Jerusalem, honouring the fact that Christ came from the Jews. In what way can we imitate this today? Perhaps it is through standing against antisemitism, or praying for those caught up in the current war in the Middle East? Perhaps, it’s also through supporting those in Sierra Leone.
Father, we pray for those in need around the world, including Gaza, Israel, and Sierra Leone.
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