For we do not want you to be unaware, brethren, of our affliction which came to us in Asia, that we were burdened excessively, beyond our strength, so that we despaired even of life; indeed, we had the sentence of death within ourselves so that we would not trust in ourselves, but in God who raises the dead; who delivered us from so great a peril of death, and will deliver us, He on whom we have set our hope. And He will yet deliver us, you also joining in helping us through your prayers, so that thanks may be given by many persons on our behalf for the favor bestowed on us through the prayers of many. 2 Corinthians 1:8-11 Somebody once told me...in the midst of great confusing turmoil..."it's hard to remember you came to drain the swamp when you're up to your hips in alligators!" Part of making things right is offering explanations. Not as excuses for bad behavior, but as context. Paul knew he had promised to visit Corinth. He knew he was being maligned for not yet having done so. In this situation Paul decided the best thing he could do is explain what he had been doing since his last visit (about 52AD). He tells them of the heavy trials experienced in Ephesus. He had been exposed to death and had despaired of life; yet he had been delivered. Notice, he doesn't open with an apology...just a simple narrative of his life. So, he avoided the two things I so naturally do when I need to make peace. 1. Make an apology (I feel inferior)2. Refuse to explain (I feel superior) The reason, I believe, Paul doesn't begin with an apology is because he knows he didn't do anything wrong. The reason he explained his situation is because he knew they deserved to know. I suppose, if the explanation is compelling the need for an apology is negated.
But...it's tough to remember our purpose is to clear up a misunderstanding when we're up to our eyeballs in emotions of either inferiority or superiority.
So, I'll ask you this: Do you need to make peace with somebody? Can you avoid being sidetracked by emotions of inferiority or superiority? Are you willing to sit with them as equals and tell them what has been going on in your life? Is your narrative compelling enough to diffuse any pointed accusations?
If not...an apology may be appropriate.
Do you recognize what is so brilliant about this tactic? There are no good guys or bad guys...just people communicating.
Live boldly out there today...
February 27, 2016
February 26, 2016
2 Corinthians 1:3-4
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 will be able to comfort those who are in any affliction with the comfort with which we ourselves are comforted by God.
As discussed in yesterday's introduction to this book we know it was written by Paul to explain why he had not yet revisited the community after promising to do so. Paul opens his letter with a peculiar greeting, Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ...who comforts us in all our affliction so that we will be able to comfort those who are in any affliction" . Here's the point. He knew he was addressing people who were, at least, disappointed with him and probably angry. After all, Paul had promised to return and hadn't...yet. So, Paul set the tone that defines the idea of "comfort" as something that only comes from Christ and...is offered only so we may pass it on to others.
We have heard the term "creature comforts". It refers to the many little things we attach to our lives to make them more enjoyable (air conditioning in our cars). We all prefer a "comfortable" life. I suspect life is most naturally uncomfortable and that is a source of frustration which is why we pursue "creature comforts' to begin with.
What I learn from Paul, here, is that my pursuit of comfort cannot be constrained to this world. If my comfort level is to be determined by how others treat me I will be severely disappointed. The questions here are simple: Who has disappointed us today? Are we willing to recognize their lives may be filled with turmoil and they could use a little comfort? Are we prepared to comfort them?
Live boldly out there today?
As discussed in yesterday's introduction to this book we know it was written by Paul to explain why he had not yet revisited the community after promising to do so. Paul opens his letter with a peculiar greeting, Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ...who comforts us in all our affliction so that we will be able to comfort those who are in any affliction" . Here's the point. He knew he was addressing people who were, at least, disappointed with him and probably angry. After all, Paul had promised to return and hadn't...yet. So, Paul set the tone that defines the idea of "comfort" as something that only comes from Christ and...is offered only so we may pass it on to others.
We have heard the term "creature comforts". It refers to the many little things we attach to our lives to make them more enjoyable (air conditioning in our cars). We all prefer a "comfortable" life. I suspect life is most naturally uncomfortable and that is a source of frustration which is why we pursue "creature comforts' to begin with.
What I learn from Paul, here, is that my pursuit of comfort cannot be constrained to this world. If my comfort level is to be determined by how others treat me I will be severely disappointed. The questions here are simple: Who has disappointed us today? Are we willing to recognize their lives may be filled with turmoil and they could use a little comfort? Are we prepared to comfort them?
Live boldly out there today?
February 25, 2016
2 Corinthians - Introduction
All of us, at one time or another, find ourselves defending our actions (or lack of actions). This is the occasion that resulted in Paul writing his second letter to the Corinthians.
As you may recall, the First Epistle was written, about a year earlier, to reprove the irregularities which existed in the church at Corinth. Paul did this with great fidelity.
Barnes, in his commentary, tells us..."Paul had not only answered the questions presented to him, but had gone with great particularity into an examination of the serious failures of which he had learned by some members of the church. A large part of the Epistle, therefore, was the language of severe reproof. Paul felt its necessity".
Later, according to Barnes..."Paul met with Titus in Macedonia, and learned that his First Epistle had accomplished all which he had desired. The act of discipline which he had directed had been performed; the abuses had been in a great measure corrected, and the Corinthians had been brought to a state of true repentance. Paul was greatly comforted by this news".
Barnes continues..."In this state of mind, Paul had planned a second visit but he had not done it yet, and his enemies had taken occasion from this to say that he was inconstant and fickle-minded. He, therefore, takes occasion to vindicate himself, and to convince them that he was not faithless to his word and purposes, and to show them the true reason why he had not visited them. He states, therefore, that his real intentions had been to visit them; that his failure to do so had not proceeded from either levity or falsehood; as they might have known from the uniform doctrine which he had taught them, in which he had inculcated the necessity of a strict adherence to promises, from the veracity of Jesus Christ his great example. He states, therefore, that the true reason why he had not come to them was, that he wished to spare them; he was willing to remain away from them until they should have time to correct the evils which existed in their church, and prevent the necessity of severe discipline when he should come".
As I think about the great pains Paul took to "correct the record" I'm reminded of the seriousness of our words. When we represent Christ, the perceived falseness of our words (or, actions) reflect negatively upon Christ Himself. We should always be prepared...and eager...to correct misunderstandings. As we prepare to look at Paul's response to the Corinthians let's learn from Paul...how he chooses to vindicate himself...so we are prepared when the time comes when we may be required to do the same thing.
Live boldly out there...
As you may recall, the First Epistle was written, about a year earlier, to reprove the irregularities which existed in the church at Corinth. Paul did this with great fidelity.
Barnes, in his commentary, tells us..."Paul had not only answered the questions presented to him, but had gone with great particularity into an examination of the serious failures of which he had learned by some members of the church. A large part of the Epistle, therefore, was the language of severe reproof. Paul felt its necessity".
Later, according to Barnes..."Paul met with Titus in Macedonia, and learned that his First Epistle had accomplished all which he had desired. The act of discipline which he had directed had been performed; the abuses had been in a great measure corrected, and the Corinthians had been brought to a state of true repentance. Paul was greatly comforted by this news".
Barnes continues..."In this state of mind, Paul had planned a second visit but he had not done it yet, and his enemies had taken occasion from this to say that he was inconstant and fickle-minded. He, therefore, takes occasion to vindicate himself, and to convince them that he was not faithless to his word and purposes, and to show them the true reason why he had not visited them. He states, therefore, that his real intentions had been to visit them; that his failure to do so had not proceeded from either levity or falsehood; as they might have known from the uniform doctrine which he had taught them, in which he had inculcated the necessity of a strict adherence to promises, from the veracity of Jesus Christ his great example. He states, therefore, that the true reason why he had not come to them was, that he wished to spare them; he was willing to remain away from them until they should have time to correct the evils which existed in their church, and prevent the necessity of severe discipline when he should come".
As I think about the great pains Paul took to "correct the record" I'm reminded of the seriousness of our words. When we represent Christ, the perceived falseness of our words (or, actions) reflect negatively upon Christ Himself. We should always be prepared...and eager...to correct misunderstandings. As we prepare to look at Paul's response to the Corinthians let's learn from Paul...how he chooses to vindicate himself...so we are prepared when the time comes when we may be required to do the same thing.
Live boldly out there...
February 24, 2016
Let God be God - Part 5
"Then I will teach transgressors Your ways, And sinners will be converted to You." Psalm 51:13
Here, now is the logical consequence of letting God love us...His way.
God will...
1. Give us a pure heart in us
2. Infuse us with His Holy Spirit
3. Restore our joy as a result of His salvation
4. Grant us a willing spirit
And...we will teach others the way of salvation and they will be converted. Beautiful!
Now, as is natural, our western minds see this as a formula that we may apply to our lives. It's "contractual". God does "X" and we do "Y". Fortunately, it doesn't work that way. If it did, the contract would break down quickly because of our own sinfulness. Rather, this is organic. These are the natural qualities that God develops within us when we let Him love us His way (verse 1).
We believe God wants our lives to reflect the four qualities listed above. Remember, He's no like us. He's just not that interested in big salaries, big houses and beautiful families. When our lives possess the qualities He values we instinctively share the transforming news with others. Well, guess what? God loves them as well so, if they respond as we do, their lives will be transformed as well.
It's unstoppable. Unless, of course, we have a better idea for ourselves.
There are those for whom this path is unappealing. Its inexplicable except for the fact that some folks simply don't want others (even God) making decisions for them. They see this as freedom when, in fact, it imprisons them in a life without the possibility ever becoming more than they already are.
Live boldly out there today...
Here, now is the logical consequence of letting God love us...His way.
God will...
1. Give us a pure heart in us
2. Infuse us with His Holy Spirit
3. Restore our joy as a result of His salvation
4. Grant us a willing spirit
And...we will teach others the way of salvation and they will be converted. Beautiful!
Now, as is natural, our western minds see this as a formula that we may apply to our lives. It's "contractual". God does "X" and we do "Y". Fortunately, it doesn't work that way. If it did, the contract would break down quickly because of our own sinfulness. Rather, this is organic. These are the natural qualities that God develops within us when we let Him love us His way (verse 1).
We believe God wants our lives to reflect the four qualities listed above. Remember, He's no like us. He's just not that interested in big salaries, big houses and beautiful families. When our lives possess the qualities He values we instinctively share the transforming news with others. Well, guess what? God loves them as well so, if they respond as we do, their lives will be transformed as well.
It's unstoppable. Unless, of course, we have a better idea for ourselves.
There are those for whom this path is unappealing. Its inexplicable except for the fact that some folks simply don't want others (even God) making decisions for them. They see this as freedom when, in fact, it imprisons them in a life without the possibility ever becoming more than they already are.
Live boldly out there today...
February 23, 2016
Let God be God - Part 4
"Create in me a pure heart, O God, and renew a steadfast spirit within me. Do not cast me from your presence or take your Holy Spirit from me. Restore to me the joy of your salvation and grant me a willing spirit to sustain me". Psalm 51:10-12
So, when we let God be God...by fully redeeming us through Christ...it becomes spiritually addicting. His mercy is something we can no longer live without. We long for Him to purify our hearts. We long to abide close to Him. We want nothing more than to be willing recipients of His miraculous mercy. We lust after the joy that emanates from His saving grace.
Where would anger fit into that? Or arrogance? Or pride? In letting God be God, He has transformed us into who we need to be. I couldn't have done better myself. I wonder why I continually try?
Remember...He's not like us!
Live boldly out there today...
So, when we let God be God...by fully redeeming us through Christ...it becomes spiritually addicting. His mercy is something we can no longer live without. We long for Him to purify our hearts. We long to abide close to Him. We want nothing more than to be willing recipients of His miraculous mercy. We lust after the joy that emanates from His saving grace.
Where would anger fit into that? Or arrogance? Or pride? In letting God be God, He has transformed us into who we need to be. I couldn't have done better myself. I wonder why I continually try?
Remember...He's not like us!
Live boldly out there today...
February 22, 2016
Let God be God - Part 3
"Surely I was sinful at birth, sinful from the time my mother conceived me" Psalm 51:6
As our understanding of God's merciful nature deepens we begin to recognize all the misperceptions we have harbored about Him...along with the damage it has done to our relationship.
Foremost among them: "Why would a loving God condemn anybody...particularly good people?"
He wouldn't. And...there really aren't any "good" people. We were all born wicked. It's not God's fault, but our parents' fault. Sin was grafted into our DNA back in the garden. It is, in fact, when we let God be God that we comprehend the breadth and depth of His love. He sought us out and chose to redeem us when He had no obligation to do so...and a lesser God would have had no desire to do so.
So...when Jesus bled and died to cover our sin...He was under no obligation to do so. Except for the obligation of love that would allow Him to do nothing less.
Why not let God be God. Instead of quarreling with Him...count on Him. Remember...He's not like us!
Live boldly out there today...
As our understanding of God's merciful nature deepens we begin to recognize all the misperceptions we have harbored about Him...along with the damage it has done to our relationship.
Foremost among them: "Why would a loving God condemn anybody...particularly good people?"
He wouldn't. And...there really aren't any "good" people. We were all born wicked. It's not God's fault, but our parents' fault. Sin was grafted into our DNA back in the garden. It is, in fact, when we let God be God that we comprehend the breadth and depth of His love. He sought us out and chose to redeem us when He had no obligation to do so...and a lesser God would have had no desire to do so.
So...when Jesus bled and died to cover our sin...He was under no obligation to do so. Except for the obligation of love that would allow Him to do nothing less.
Why not let God be God. Instead of quarreling with Him...count on Him. Remember...He's not like us!
Live boldly out there today...
February 21, 2016
Let God be God - Part 2
"For I know my transgressions and my sin is always before me. Against you, and you only, have I sinned and done what is evil in your sight." Psalm 51:3,4
The blessed mystery of letting God be God is this: When we find contentment in knowing it is God's nature to show mercy we begin to recognize our unworthiness in light of His constant grace. Miraculously, we're less inclined to be angry, frustrated or disappointed with God because we have no leverage. We become motivated by a desire to "clear the record" and kneel before Him daily.
It doesn't mean we don't want God to intervene graciously in our lives. It means what we want most is to rest safely in His mercy, trusting that a love so strong and faithful is best evidenced in the midst of the storm rather than in deliverance from the storm. When this begins to happen we notice our experience with God is no longer contractual but...has become relational, personal, satisfying.
Remember...He's not like us!
Live boldly out there today...
The blessed mystery of letting God be God is this: When we find contentment in knowing it is God's nature to show mercy we begin to recognize our unworthiness in light of His constant grace. Miraculously, we're less inclined to be angry, frustrated or disappointed with God because we have no leverage. We become motivated by a desire to "clear the record" and kneel before Him daily.
It doesn't mean we don't want God to intervene graciously in our lives. It means what we want most is to rest safely in His mercy, trusting that a love so strong and faithful is best evidenced in the midst of the storm rather than in deliverance from the storm. When this begins to happen we notice our experience with God is no longer contractual but...has become relational, personal, satisfying.
Remember...He's not like us!
Live boldly out there today...
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