Sept. 13

2 Corinthians 13

Anyone who has ever worked with youth or in a classroom, knows very well the authoritative, stern voice that needs to be used to get the attention of the crowd.  It's the tone of not yelling, but yet speaking with authority to get your point made.  As I read this passage, I picked up that the Apostle Paul, even though he was writing, was using that tone. In it, he manifested the power of God.  He was speaking with the authority of Christ, yet almost giving the Corinthians one last chance to see the light.  I think Paul was reminding the people that although it is God's gracious method to bear long with sinners, he will not put up with disobedience forever. At some point in time,  Jesus is coming back, and will not spare those who remain obstinate.  That's a pretty frightening thought as well as a serious message.  To emphasize his point and remind the Corinthians that he coming this time (his third visit) almost as a judge, he used some pretty strong words "I will not spare those who sinned earlier".  Paul reminds us that Jesus will not be weak in dealing with us. When we stop and think about it, these are pretty humbling thoughts.  When we look around as see the chaos that is unfolding, our only hope is to look up to our mighty God and humble ourselves. As we read in today's Psalm, our hope rests in the shadow of the wings of our most High God for great is His love, reaching to the heavens; His faithfulness reaches to the skies.  Let Him be exalted today in our lives as His glory is all over the earth. We have some very good news to share and like the Apostle Paul, we are filled with the Holy Spirit and can speak with authority.  Go tell someone.

Randi