One Final Appeal

Written By Betty Predmore

ROMANS 16: 10-27

(August 3)

In every trial, there is a defense attorney. He may have been chosen by the defendant, or perhaps he (or she) was appointed by the courts. The job of this attorney is to present the case for the defendant, sometimes using witnesses for affirmation. The trial closes with that final appeal by the attorney... those last words that will hopefully make a difference with the jury.

Here, Paul has been appointed by God for the defense of the gospel. This section of Scripture is his last appeal to the believers, giving them one last word of caution and direction on how they should live their lives.

His final appeal is that they would be on the watch for people who cause division and dissention through the teaching of things that don't align with the gospel. They can be smooth talkers who make you think they are serving God, when in fact they are only serving themselves. Paul tells assures them that he believes in their obedience to the Lord and lets them know that Satan will not have the final say.

In addition to this final warning, he also sends along some final greetings. Several names are included, including Rufus. What is so special about Rufus? It seems that his mother was also a mother-figure to Paul, giving him love and guidance.

On another side note, Rufus' father was none other than Simon of Cyrene. Do you remember him? He was the man who was pulled from the crowd as Jesus carried the cross to his crucifixion. Simon was ordered to help Jesus carry the heavy cross to the top of the mountain. This man and his act were recorded in history, which I am sure was not his intention when he set off that day.

I find it interesting that the man who helped Jesus on his final day would be the father of a man who was close to Paul, and the husband of a woman who would treat Paul as her own.

Isn't God funny that way? He lines things up so perfectly, even when we don't see it in the moment. He did that for Paul time and time again, providing for his needs and getting him out of some precarious positions. (Do you remember his time at sea?)

He will do the same for each of us. Even more will he do when we go to him with our needs, making our appeal known to him. Trust in him. He will never fail you.

I will end this post with Paul's final words in Romans, "All glory to the only wise God, through Jesus Christ, forever. Amen."

Betty Predmore

Betty Predmore is a writer, blogger, speaker and ministry leaders. She is the founder of Mom-Sense, Inc., a ministry designed for mentorship, connection and service to women of all life circumstances. Through this ministry, women are encouraged and supported with scripture and life application. Mom-Sense helps women overcome life struggles through small group classes with biblical curriculum, individual counseling, bible studies, and other areas of support.

Betty also directs the Imperial Valley Life Center, which is a non-profit faith-based pro life women’s resource center. She has a passion for saving the unborn and supporting mothers through pregnancy and motherhood.

Betty loves to speak at events, sharing the love of Jesus with other women. She does this through practical life application mingled with God’s word, and sprinkled with humor. Having experienced a broken home, divorce, abuse, grief, single motherhood, blended families, and adoption, she uses the broken places and movement of God in her own life to share His word in an inspiring way. She enjoys sharing her blogs on social media as a way of reaching out on a broader spectrum. Betty has many speaking topics which can be found on her website: www.bettypredmore.com

As an author, she has had the opportunity to impact women and reach deep into their hearts with her words of inspiration and encouragement. Through Pondering Virtue and Whispered Grace, she has created wonderful tools for the woman who is seeking direction in her spiritual walk.

Betty serves on the writing team of A Wife Like Me, and is also a contributor to Moms Encouraging Moms and Gift of Thorns. Her blogs have appeared in several magazine publications throughout the years including Southern Faith Magazine, Purposeful Life, and Aspiring Woman Magazine.

While Betty thrives on her ministry opportunities, her greatest blessings come from being a wife to Jim and a mama to their wonderful collection of children, who bring joy, laughter, and an occasional tear to her days.


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