Revelation in Rome
Who We Really Are
It’s stunning, the way that revelation can enter your heart and mind when you step outside of your comfort zone. I had only been on foreign soil for three days when my feet hit Roman ground. Having barely left Texas in over three decades, it boggled my mind how easy it was to be immersed in another language; within twenty-four hours, I moved from the presence of beautiful French accents to walking through crowds of passionate Italian conversations. My only other in-depth cultural experience had been the year we lived and worked in Hawaii…an experience I’ll never forget. But this was different. It was ancient. Very ancient.
Walking the streets of Rome was the cobble-stoned dream I’d only seen on television, but now I could actually smell the fresh Italian breads wafting through alleyways. Despite being a very cold January day, we made our way into a many-centuries-old gelato shop. Vibrant colors of homemade, frozen, Italian glory delighted the senses. I could take time to describe the sights, sounds, tastes, and smells, by my spirit says “moving on…”
The Roman Colosseum left my spirit both in a somber yet invigorating place. Though death seemed to prevail over thousands of Christians who stood solid in their faith in Jesus, I felt empowered by those men, women, and children who suffered violence in their stand for Love Himself, the One who had defeated death. They knew it. That’s why they could not deny Him.
Then we ventured into Mamertine Prison which is probably not at the top of most tourists’ lists. Stepping down into the prison cell of Peter and Paul, a cold, stone room where eeriness gave way to a victorious silent echo, I was overcome with a closeness to these two men who laid everything down for the One. I imagined songs of praise, their voices imprinting on the stones that served as their prison. Surely the sound moved through them; perhaps the rocks cried out with them. (picture of the hole they were lowered through)
From a place of captivity, we journeyed into Vatican City, a place of gold, art, and grandeur. More than 70,000 works of Renaissance paintings and famous Roman sculptures make their home at Vatican Museums. A city built on religion, only a very short distance from the Colosseum where people were slaughtered for their faith, speaks of the vastness of their great faith. I was in awe of lengthy, ornate hallways in which every single inch had been crafted with the utmost care and precision. The best of the best materials were used in honor of God.
But my mind shifted back to the prison that held Peter and Paul. The words of Peter echoed in my heart: “Silver or gold I do not have, but what I do have I give you. In the name of Jesus Christ of Nazareth, walk.” Taking him by the right hand, he helped him up, and instantly the man’s feet and ankles became strong (Acts 3:6-7). Peter knew that what he carried was far greater than any gold or silver. And these words attributed to Paul: “Do you not know that you are God's temple and that God's Spirit dwells in you?” (1 Corinthians 3:16)… it’s a truth that many of us, even Christians, have ignored for far too long.
A personal revelation struck me in Rome. I was God’s home. I carried the Kingdom within me. This was true for all of God’s children, and it was far greater than the riches of the world. We are far more wealthy than our bank accounts tell us. When we get caught in the hamster wheel of religion and the rat race of pursuing the “American dream,” may we return to the truth and remember those who’ve been crushed under the weight of religion, politics, and human structures.
You have more to offer to this world as a temple immersed in and overflowing with the presence of Christ. Remain in that place. Let this verse speak to you as God’s house:
Wealth and riches shall be in his house: and his righteousness endureth for ever. Psalm 112:3