Good morning. An introduction is considered a necessary part of any speech or important document. The introduction sets the stage by communicating the intentions of the writer(s) or speaker concerning what will follow. The Constitution of the United States begins with such an introduction, known as the Preamble of the Constitution. It reads as follows: We the People of the United States, in Order to form a more perfect Union, establish Justice, insure domestic Tranquility, provide for the common defence, promote the general Welfare, and secure the Blessings of Liberty to ourselves and our Posterity, do ordain and establish this Constitution for the United States of America.
Defense was apparently spelled with a “c” back then, and I suppose that insure rather than ensure and some of the capitalization are also dated differences. None of that bothers me, however, I have always found that one of the most intriguing thoughts presented in the Preamble is this: in Order to form a more perfect Union. How can anything be better than or more than “perfect”? I have never heard a reasonable answer to that question, but I shouldn’t complain since we read something similar in God’s Word.
Romans 8:31-39 is a passage which inspires believers, giving us great hope and confidence. The entire passage is known by the heading, “More than Conquerors”. This passage tells us that since it is God who is for us, what does it matter who represents the other side? How complete is God’s love for us? The example is given that God did not spare His own Son but gave Jesus up for us all. Since that is true, what greater proof is needed? Verses 37-39 drive home the truth being shared: No, in all these things we are more than conquerors through him who loved us. For I am convinced that neither death nor life, neither angels nor demons, neither the present nor the future, nor any powers,neither height nor depth, nor anything else in all creation, will be able to separate us from the love of God that is in Christ Jesus our Lord.
We read in the Preamble, “a more perfect union”, and we read in verse 37 No, in all these things we are more than conquerors through him who loved us. What does it mean to be “more than conquerors”?
I think that in both instances we are being told that there is something greater present than what we have previously understood. In the case of the beginnings of our country we are told that there is a greater level of unity possible than anything that had been previously known or considered. In the case of Romans 8 we are told that whatever victories we may have rejoiced in previously, they pale to insignificance compared to the victories which are ours through Jesus. In fact, there is nothing in the universe capable of altering our relationship with God made certain in Jesus. There is no power greater than the power of God’s love for you and for me. When we belong to God through Jesus, we are His, and Satan has nothing to say about it.
Rejoice today in that which is greater than perfection, for it is of God and God alone.
Vern