Monthly Archives: September 2017

2 Corinthians 10-11

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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

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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

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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

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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.