2 Corinthians 10-11

— by on

In 2 Corinthians 10-11, Paul continues to defend his apostleship. Paul’s humility is a great example for us all, reminding the Corinthians how much he has suffered on their behalf. Paul says “I consider that I am not in the least inferior to these super-apostles. Even if I am unskilled in speaking, I am not so in knowledge; indeed, in every way we have made this plain to you in all things.” He wants the Corinthians to be sure they are not “led astray from a sincere and pure devotion to Christ”, and does everything possible to share his vast knowledge to highlight the true gospel message.

It’s a great attitude that we can use when resolving conflicts or considering other members in the body of Christ. Rather than being proud of his many Pharisaical accomplishments, Paul says “If I must boast, I will boast of the things that show my weakness”

2 Kings 10, 2 Corinthians 5-7

— by on

God had anointed Jehu to be king, and Jehu proceeds with destroying Ahab’s descendants and the prophets of Baal in 2 Kings 10. Yet Jehu failed to improve Israel’s spiritual health, “he did not turn from the sins of Jeroboam, which he made Israel to sin.” Jehu had zealously done God’s work in one aspect of his life, but ignored another aspect. As a result, his dynasty would last only 4 generations.

We can examine our life and motives in light of Jehu’s actions. Do we zealously destroy and fail to build up? Or do we instead take the advice of Paul to the Corinthians, living as the temple of the living God, working together, guided by the love of Christ, persuading others of the hope of the gospel.

2 Corinthians 1-2

— by on

Paul writes 2 Corinthians to address some of the concerns and criticism raised as a result of his first letter, “not to cause you pain but to let you know the abundant love that I have for you.” Paul had wanted to visit the ecclesia in person but had decided not to, wanting his visit to be one of gladness and joy rather than pain and anguish.

Despite the criticism Paul had faced, he still felt blessed and comforted by the hope he had in Christ. “Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, the Father of mercies and God of all comfort, who comforts us in all our affliction, so that we may be able to comfort those who are in any affliction … For as we share abundantly in Christ’s sufferings, so through Christ we share abundantly in comfort too”.

Paul’s attitude is so incredible, finding comfort even in the sufferings he endured for the gospel. He reminds us that, no matter our circumstances, God will comfort us so that we in turn may comfort others. Paul’s trust in God remained certain. God had delivered Paul “from such a deadly peril, and he will deliver us. On him we have set our hope that he will deliver us again.” Let us be comforted by Paul’s trust in God, and the certainty that we will be delivered from this present time of suffering just like Paul.

2 Kings 6

— by on

In 2 Kings 6 we read one of the most encouraging stories in the Bible. The king of Syria is determined to capture Elisha after learning that Elisha revealed his military movements to the king of Israel.

The king of Syria learned that Elisha and his servant were in Dothan, and “sent there horses and chariots and a great army, and they came by night and surrounded the city”. When Elisha’s servant rose in the morning and saw the army he was afraid. Elisha was not worried, “Do not be afraid, for those who are with us are more than those who are with them. Then Elisha prayed and said, O Lord, please open his eyes that he may see. So the Lord opened the eyes of the young man, and he saw, and behold, the mountain was full of horses and chariots of fire all around Elisha.”

These angels had been there all along, watching over Elisha and his servant. God watches over us as well, as we are frequently reminded in the Psalms. “The eyes of the Lord are toward the righeous and his ears toward their cry… when the righteous cry for help, the Lord hears and delivers them out of all their troubles.”

Like Elisha, we have no need to be afraid. Let us open our eyes and through faith see the love and care God has for us.

2 Kings 5, 1 Corinthians 14

— by on

In 2 Kings 5, we read of Naaman’s cleansing from leprosy, an event with many parallels to our own cleansing. Rather than some mighty act, Naaman had to humble himself and submit to the simple instructions from Elisha. Naaman’s pride almost cost him the chance to be healed, but the faith of a little girl taken captive from Israel convinced him to do as instructed.

Similarly, we have not been called to perform some mighty work in order to be saved from the effects of sin. Instead, we’ve been called to humble ourselves and submit to God. The cleansing we have been offered is free, just as Naaman’s healing was free. We are also reminded of the impact out faith can have on others, and the need to encourage each other as we walk towards God’s kingdom.

Paul also considers the idea of the needs of others in 1 Corinthians 14, in the context of holy spirit gifts. Paul “would rather speak five words with my mind in order to instruct others, than ten thousand words in a tongue.” While both gifts are useful in the right context, anything that will build up and encourage others is far more important, “For you may be giving thanks well enough, but the other person is not being built up”. This should be our focus in the body of Christ, building each other up in our spiritual journey.

1 Corinthians 6

— by on

1 Corinthians 6 is largely a negative chapter, focusing on issues of sexual immorality and taking believers to court. Rather than simply condemning these practices, Paul finishes each section with an explanation and a reminder of our calling.

“But you were washed, you were sanctified, you were justified in the name of the Lord Jesus Christ and by the Spirit of our God.” This applies to us all; prior to baptism we were all sinners. Probably not sexually immoral, but sinners nonetheless. Rather than filing lawsuits against fellow Christians, or attempting to defraud them, as some Corinthians were, Paul reminds us all of the amazing gift we have received. Washed free of past sins, our focus now should be care for each other, a united body headed up by Christ.

“Do you not know that your bodies are members of Christ? … You are not your own, for you were bought with a price. So glorify God in your body.” As members of Christ, redeemed by his sacrifice, our purpose in life is to glorify God, so Paul encourages us to live accordingly, slaves of righteousness, reflecting God’s glory in everything we do.

Jeremiah 9

— by on

Jeremiah 9 shows just how much God cares for His people, and the anguish He feels when they go astray, “Oh that my head were waters, and my eyes a fountain of tears, that I might weep day and night for the slain of the daughter of my people! … For they are all adulterers, a company of treacherous men”. Later on God says “Behold, I will refine them and test them, for what else can I do?”

God shows the same care and concern for us. He is refining and testing our character, so that we might develop to be more like Him. “let him who boasts boast in this, that he understands and knows me, that I am the Lord who practices steadfast love, justice and righteousness in the earth. For in these things I delight, declares the Lord”.

Jeremiah 7

— by on

In Jeremiah 7, we read some challenging words that God sent Israel through Jeremiah. Israel had been relying on the physical presence of God’s temple as a means of salvation, while themselves committing all sorts of acts. God’s house had “become a den of robbers”, a place where people “trust in deceptive words”. Israel had refused to hear God’s prophets, “when I spoke to you persistently you did not listen, and when I called you, you did not answer”. As a result, God would cast Israel out of his sight. He specifically told Jeremiah, “do not pray for this people … and do not intercede with me”.

God had given Israel a command when bringing them out of Egypt, “Obey my voice, and I will be your God, and you shall be my people … but they did not obey or incline their ear”. Yet in this sad state, God still offered Israel hope. “For if you truly amend your ways and your deeds … then I will let you dwell in this place, in the land that I gave of old to your fathers forever.”

This same offer of hope extends to us. In Acts 3, Peter told the people “repent therefore, and turn back, that your sins may be blotted out”. If we follow this advice, listening to God, answering when He calls, then we too can inherit the land promised to Israel’s fathers forever.

Jeremiah 4, Matthew 15

— by on

Jeremiah 4 was a warning to Israel of the coming invasion by the Babylonians. Yet even in this late stage, God offers Israel hope. If they were to turn again to Him, then He would not send the Babylonians, instead sending a blessing. Israel were serving idols, their hearts were not dedicated to God. They still had priests and some semblance of religion, but it was not serving God.

Jesus also talks about the heart in Matthew 15. The Pharisees and scribes had “made void the word of God” with their traditions, and Jesus applies the words of Isaiah to them, “this people honors me with their lips, but their heart is far from me”. Jesus warns the people that “what comes out of the mouth proceeds from the heart, and this defiles a person”.

The heart of Israel was unfaithful, from the times of Jeremiah and Isaiah through to the time of Jesus. This is a warning to us as well, to be aware of what is in our heart and ensure it is dedicated to God rather than ourselves.

1 Samuel 25

— by on

In 1 Samuel 25 we read the story of Abigail and Nabal. In this chapter we find one of the most inspirational characters of the Bible; a woman who was in a difficult circumstance yet still faithfully acted in the best interests of her husband. “The woman was discerning and beautiful, but the man was harsh and badly behaved”.

Nabal claims not to know David, despite David being famous throughout Israel for the victory over Goliath. He had married the kings daughter. Nabal’s refusal to acknowledge David or provide food and water for David and his men demonstrates just how badly behaved Nabal was.

Abigail takes responsibility for her husband’s shortcomings, and pleads for David’s mercy. She takes large amounts of food and wine to David and his men, seeking forgiveness for Nabal, and taking responsibility for the way David’s men had been treated. She single-handedly prevented David and his men from slaughtering Nabal and his household.

As such, Abigail is a great example to us all of Paul’s advice in Galatians 6, “bear one another’s burdens, and so fulfill the law of Christ”. It wasn’t Abigail’s responsibility to solve this problem, but she recognised the need and did something about it. So we should assist each other in our walk towards the kingdom.