That title feels a little (a lot?!!) hypocritical. Let me tell you, I have felt disappointed! But don’t kill the messenger. It’s the Word of God.
Such hope [in God’s promises] never disappoints us, because God’s love has been abundantly poured out within our hearts through the Holy Spirit who was given to us.
Romans 5:5 AMP
I use the Amplified version of the Bible quite a bit in order to get a broader sense of how the original Greek and Hebrew root words could be more fully translated. I usually use the King James Version “parallel” to the AMP and will use those in this devotion. First, a little sidetrack about this version…The Amplified version is very “wordy,” but I’m a wordy person, as you may know! If I get too tangled in the words, I refer back over to the KJV. In case you aren’t familiar with the AMP version or just would like to be informed about it, here’s a link to the history of the AMP Bible: https://biblehub.com/q/amplified_bible__history_and_purpose.htm
Here is how an AMP Bible is described on amazon.com:
The Amplified® translation was created to deliver enhanced understanding of the rich nuances and shades of meaning of the original Bible languages. For this kind of study, no working knowledge of Greek or Hebrew is required—just a desire to know more about what God says in his Word.
Features: A unique system of punctuation, italics, references, and synonyms to unlock subtle shades of meaning as found in the original languages
https://www.amazon.com/Amplified-Study-Bible-Hardcover/dp/0310440300
With that in mind, on to Romans 5:1-5, KJV and AMP side-by-side… When I read and meditate on this passage, I almost feel like I could tear that page out of my Bible and just live on that for quite a while! There’s just so much and it’s so so good! His word is a lamp to my feet here in Romans 5. It’s sweeter than honey. It’s like looking into a mirror. I could go on with the metaphors!
KJV AMP
| 1 Therefore being justified by faith, we have peace with God through our Lord Jesus Christ: | 1 Therefore, since we have been justified [that is, acquitted of sin, declared blameless before God] by faith, [let us grasp the fact that] we have peace with God [and the joy of reconciliation with Him] through our Lord Jesus Christ (the Messiah, the Anointed) |
| 2By whom also we have access by faith into this grace wherein we stand, and rejoice in hope of the glory of God. | 2 Through Him we also have access by faith into this [remarkable state of] grace in which we [firmly and safely and securely] stand. Let us rejoice in our hope and the confident assurance of [experiencing and enjoying] the glory of [our great] God [the manifestation of His excellence and power].; |
| 3 And not only so, but we glory in tribulations also: knowing that tribulation worketh patience; | 3 And not only this, but [with joy] let us exult in our sufferings and rejoice in our hardships, knowing that hardship (distress, pressure, trouble) produces patient endurance |
| 4 And patience, experience; and experience, hope: | 4 and endurance, proven character (spiritual maturity); and proven character, hope and confident assurance [of eternal salvation]. |
| 5 And hope maketh not ashamed; because the love of God is shed abroad in our hearts by the Holy Ghost which is given unto us. | 5 Such hope [in God’s promises] never disappoints us, because God’s love has been abundantly poured out within our hearts through the Holy Spirit who was given to us. |
Verses 1 and 2 are inspiring and uplifting. Christ has made a way for us to have peace with God, we have access to His great grace, and so many reasons to rejoice! In verse 3, Paul says in essence “But, wait; there’s more!” and there he goes off the logically beaten path. We are to glory, exult, rejoice in what?? Was something lost in translation here? He says rejoice in our tribulations (hardships, distress, pressure, trouble). That was not what I wanted to read so I could go on my merry way today. Paul goes on to show us in verses 3 and 4 the progression, and the value, of our tribulations, though. It’s similar to the “no pain, no gain” mentality.
Tribulation – (suffering, pressure, affliction, hardship) ⇨ ⇨ ⇨
patience- (unswerving endurance) ⇨ ⇨ ⇨
experience- (maturity of character) ⇨ ⇨ ⇨
hope- (habit of joyful and confident hope)
The confident hope we have in our salvation and God’s promises NEVER DISAPPOINTS us! Of course, problems come, but when our focus is on HIM, we don’t have to live disappointed lives.
I have told you these things, so that in Me you may have [perfect] peace. In the world you have tribulation and distress and suffering, but be courageous [be confident, be undaunted, be filled with joy]; I have overcome the world.” [My conquest is accomplished, My victory abiding.]
John 16:33 AMP
We can be victorious and full of joy now! How is this possible? Romans 5:5 told us above, “Because God’s love has been abundantly poured out within our hearts through the Holy Spirit who was given to us.” What promises! What hope! What joy!
Devotional by Heather Cornett
