Chosen in the Lord 

“Greet Rufus, chosen in the Lord; also his mother – and mine.” – Romans 16:13 

“Thank You!” Many do not take the time to write a note of thanks these days. A lot of times a text message or social media post suffices, but the Apostle Paul writes an inspired list of thank yous here in Romans 16. One of those thanks and greetings is to “Rufus.” Not only does Paul wish to greet Rufus, but also his mother, who has been like a mother to him.  

I have often been touched by this greeting, especially the way it is rendered here in the CSB as Paul refers to Rufus’s mother as his own. What a kind and thoughtful picture! Now, who are these people?  

Many scholars agree there is connection here between this verse and Mark 15:21 (yesterday’s devotion). It is likely that Simon of Cyrene was a part of the church at Rome, and his widow and son, Rufus are the ones being referred to in this passage. What a picture! The Apostle who expounds the power of the Cross greeting the family of the man who actually carried the cross of Christ. The cross brings people together and brings them together as a family.  

Prayer 

“Father, thank you for choosing me and making me part of your family through the cross of Your Son. Help me this day to value others that you have purchased as my own family.”