January 14 Daily Devotional

Bible Reading

Romans 8:35–39

Devotional

There is nothing in this world that we can cling to. Ultimately everything will fall away from us, and if it will not fall away, it will disappoint us. Sooner or later, and sometimes most suddenly, we have to say goodbye on earth to that which is most dear and near to us. On earth there is really nothing we can count on except death and the grave. Life is one huge process of separating ourselves. Today we have to let go of one thing and tomorrow we let go of another. We have to be separated from one another. Yes, we even have to be separated from our own body, the earthly tabernacle we live in.

When we consider the question, “Who shall separate us from one another?” there are many possible answers. Sometimes sickness or an accident answers the question. What is life? What significance is it to live together with other people? Is life nothing but a sigh or a vapor? We are often pulled apart from one another. Who shall separate us from one another? A thousand things can pull us apart. But when we consider the question, “Who shall separate us from the love of Christ?” there is no answer. It is impossible to be separated from the love of Christ. It is a blessed impossibility. Even if the whole world collapses this bond of love remains firm and sure.

People can do much; devils can do much. They can assault and afflict. They can smite and tempt, but what they cannot do is break the bond of love. Paul challenges the powers of earth and hell when he asks, “Who shall separate us from the love of Christ?” He urges man to consider something or someone who can do that. He is deeply convinced of this blessed impossibility. He is perfectly certain that the Christian can never be separated from Christ. This is all rooted in the one-sided love of Christ for His people. Because of the work of Christ, it is a blessed impossibility that His people could ever be separated from His love.

 

From The Everlasting Word by Frans Bakker, compiled and translated by Gerald R. Procee. Reformation Heritage Books and Free Reformed Publications, 2007. Used by permission. For further information, click here.