Today the Bible's mightiest letter begins. Paul, planning to visit Rome, sends ahead his thesis: I am not ashamed of the gospel, because it is the power of God that brings salvation to everyone who believes... For in the gospel the righteousness of God is revealed, a righteousness that is by faith from first to last.

For the next month, Romans will rebuild the ground under your faith. Come hungry.

Rome crucified people like Paul's Lord and laughed at messages like Paul's, yet he aimed this letter straight at the capital: not ashamed, because the gospel is not a philosophy competing for approval but power effecting rescue, for everyone who believes. Shame shrinks where power is proven, and Paul had watched it raise the dead.

The men of Issachar offer this month's posture for reading Romans: understanding the times and knowing what to do. Our times need people unembarrassed by grace, clear on where righteousness actually comes from, faith, first to last. Ask God for Issachar eyes and Paul's spine, and let this letter do its deep work in you.