“I know that when I come to you I will come in the fullness of the blessing of Christ.” (Romans 15:29, ESV)
Ben Franklin once wrote in a letter to Jean-Baptiste Leroy, this often-quoted statement, “In this world nothing can be said to be certain, except death and taxes.” I understand the point of the statement as you look at the satirical nature of the quote. However, I must disagree in its premise. There are many things in this world and universe that are absolute. Of these are the Lord our God, His attributes, His promises, His ways and His sovereign purposes.
In this verse Paul presents one of the great certainties of ministry. Perhaps you might have missed it. He states that he will go to Rome, “in the fullness of the blessings of Christ.” The word blessings, eulogias, refers literally to good words, blessings, praises, etc. Some versions like the KJV translate the word as “gospel,” which I will not dispute. However, the context of the word’s use in the sentence leads me to believe that Paul is stating that he would go to Rome literally in the fullness of Christ’s blessings.
Paul was going to Rome to impart the truth of God’s word to the believers there. Paul understood that in bringing the word of God to others was a supernatural work, empowered not by human will or might, but by the Spirit of God (2 Cor 1-5). He had confidence that the Lord Jesus, Himself, would bless the ministry of Paul wherever he would serve.
When Jesus gave us the “Great Commission” to go into all the world and make disciples, He included this promise. “And behold, I am with you always, to the end of the age.” (Matthew 28:20, ESV) The promise of the Lord’s presence as we are on mission for Him is an absolute guarantee for us. Paul understood this and the blessings of Christ that accompanied this promise. You and I have this same certainty. We have a mission to take the word of God to the world. It is one in which we cannot fail. The reason we cannot fail is that it is Christ’s mission and He always goes with us.
Renewing the Heart 