In reading Romans again today this verse hits different. It’s in chapter 9 (and its context seems best understood in the larger context of Romans):
“I’m speaking the truth in Christ—I’m not lying, as my conscience assures me with the Holy Spirit: I have great sadness and constant pain in my heart.”
Romans 9:1-2 CEB
Paul writes this letter with a deep “longing” to visit them (1:11-12). But the longing seems deeper than just a visit. Throughout this letter Paul references psalms of lament over a dozen times.
Writing to Christ followers living in the center of world power Paul seems to express a longing in his heart that is tethered to the same longing all of creation holds (8:22)–a longing for liberation (8:23). The Spirit’s voice echos through the violent, anxiety-producing systems of the reign of sin and death at work in the world (8:26). Paul knows the impact of these systems (7:13-25, 8:1-21). So he calls out to the Christ followers in Rome to hold onto gospel-shaped hope and live into the liberating welcome of God (15:7-13). He encourages them to embrace the echos of this inner longing and resist the temptation to comply to its violent and anxious ways by enacting and embodying Christ’s law of love in a society of unjust power (12:9-14:23). It’s a concrete and tangible call to a renewed way of thinking (12:1-2) grounded in the promises of their long prophesied King (1:1-4) who is full of grace, mercy, and justice.
In the midst of empire and all its faulty claims of divine right and authority there is still good news of hope and liberation—the gospel. Jesus is King and Lord.
About Fred
Fred came to serve greater Williamsburg and WCC as lead pastor in October of 2010 and is grateful to be a part of the family. He is a husband, father, certified trauma professional, S.T.A.R. (strategies for trauma awareness & resilience) practitioner, community organizer, TEDx alum, founder of 3e Restoration, Inc. and co-owner of Philoxenia Culture LLC. He received his B.S. in Ministry/Bible at Amridge University and his Master’s of Religious Education in Missional Leadership from Rochester University. Currently he is a candidate for a Doctorate of Ministry in Contextual Theology in at Northern Seminary in Chicago. Fred also serves as an adjunct lecturer for William & Mary and has served as an adjunct professor for Rochester University and Regent University where he taught courses in philosophy, ethics, leadership, pastoral care, intro to Christianity, and ethnography. Fred has authored on book (Racialized Cultural Systems, Social Displacement and Christian Hospitality) and several curriculum offerings, including The FloorPlan: Living Toward Restoration & Resilience.
Fred enjoys hanging out with his family anytime, anywhere. He is deeply grateful for how God graciously works through the Church in all her various forms, despite our brokenness. He is passionate about seeing the last, least, and lonely of every neighborhood, city and nation experience God’s in-breaking kingdom, and come to know Jesus as King. Oh, and his favorite season is Advent and Christmas.
Fred serves on the advisory boards of Sentara Williamsburg Regional Medical Center, Bacon Street Youth & Family Services, and FreeKind. He is also a founding member of the board of directors for Virginia Racial Healing Institute, a member of Greater Williamsburg Trauma-Informed Community Network's Racial Trauma Committee and Training Committee.
Long Way Here 