The Lord is awe-inspiring, fearsome, fascinating, intriguing, majestic, and full of splendor: breathtaking! Here is what I saw of him today and what came to my heart and mind in 2 Corinthians 13:2-4,
"I already gave you a warning when I was with you the second time. I now repeat it while absent: On my return I will not spare those who sinned earlier or any of the others, since you are demanding proof that Christ is speaking through me. He is not weak in dealing with you, but is powerful among you. For to be sure, he was crucified in weakness, yet he lives by God's power. Likewise, we are weak in him, yet by God's power we will live with him in our dealing with you."
Here is an absolutely frightening threat from Paul to the church in Corinth. He has already expressed his love for them, a love that found its origin in Jesus Christ. Yet, due to the sinful condition within the fellowship in Corinth, he now tells them they had better set things right before he came for his next visit with them. He tells them, "Examine yourselves to see whether you are in the faith; test yourselves. Do you not realize that Christ Jesus is in you—unless, of course, you fail the test?" Verse 5.
We don't know exactly what Paul intended if he found the fellowship there still enmeshed in sin when he came for his next visit, but we can be certain it was not an empty threat. Paul carried the authority and power of Jesus Christ within himself as his apostle, and when he says, "I will not spare those who sinned earlier or any of the others", it is a frightful thing to consider.
We all look to the love of Jesus Christ who died for us so that we might live with him. However, we should not overlook another aspect of his nature, "I saw heaven standing open and there before me was a white horse, whose rider [Jesus Christ] is called Faithful and True. With justice he judges and wages war. His eyes are like blazing fire, and on his head are many crowns. He has a name written on him that no one knows but he himself. He is dressed in a robe dipped in blood, and his name is the Word of God. The armies of heaven were following him, riding on white horses and dressed in fine linen, white and clean. Coming out of his mouth is a sharp sword with which to strike down the nations. 'He will rule them with an iron scepter.' He treads the winepress of the fury of the wrath of God Almighty." Revelation 19:11-15.
I am reminded of my own responsibility before the Lord, "So then, each of us will give an account of ourselves to God." Romans 14:12. It also brings to mind Hebrews 4:13, "Nothing in all creation is hidden from God's sight. Everything is uncovered and laid bare before the eyes of him to whom we must give account."
How thankful I am that all my sins have been paid for by Jesus Christ! If not for that, there would be no hope for me. Yet, I find instruction in Philippians 1:27, "Whatever happens, conduct yourselves in a manner worthy of the gospel of Christ."
Anything of the Lord capture your heart from Scripture today? Share what moved you about him from your Bible reading today. I'd love to hear from you!
If you have someone you would like to receive these ruminations, send me their email address. I'm happy to add them to the list. If you are receiving this and would like to be removed from the list, just reply and let me know.
"I already gave you a warning when I was with you the second time. I now repeat it while absent: On my return I will not spare those who sinned earlier or any of the others, since you are demanding proof that Christ is speaking through me. He is not weak in dealing with you, but is powerful among you. For to be sure, he was crucified in weakness, yet he lives by God's power. Likewise, we are weak in him, yet by God's power we will live with him in our dealing with you."
Here is an absolutely frightening threat from Paul to the church in Corinth. He has already expressed his love for them, a love that found its origin in Jesus Christ. Yet, due to the sinful condition within the fellowship in Corinth, he now tells them they had better set things right before he came for his next visit with them. He tells them, "Examine yourselves to see whether you are in the faith; test yourselves. Do you not realize that Christ Jesus is in you—unless, of course, you fail the test?" Verse 5.
We don't know exactly what Paul intended if he found the fellowship there still enmeshed in sin when he came for his next visit, but we can be certain it was not an empty threat. Paul carried the authority and power of Jesus Christ within himself as his apostle, and when he says, "I will not spare those who sinned earlier or any of the others", it is a frightful thing to consider.
We all look to the love of Jesus Christ who died for us so that we might live with him. However, we should not overlook another aspect of his nature, "I saw heaven standing open and there before me was a white horse, whose rider [Jesus Christ] is called Faithful and True. With justice he judges and wages war. His eyes are like blazing fire, and on his head are many crowns. He has a name written on him that no one knows but he himself. He is dressed in a robe dipped in blood, and his name is the Word of God. The armies of heaven were following him, riding on white horses and dressed in fine linen, white and clean. Coming out of his mouth is a sharp sword with which to strike down the nations. 'He will rule them with an iron scepter.' He treads the winepress of the fury of the wrath of God Almighty." Revelation 19:11-15.
I am reminded of my own responsibility before the Lord, "So then, each of us will give an account of ourselves to God." Romans 14:12. It also brings to mind Hebrews 4:13, "Nothing in all creation is hidden from God's sight. Everything is uncovered and laid bare before the eyes of him to whom we must give account."
How thankful I am that all my sins have been paid for by Jesus Christ! If not for that, there would be no hope for me. Yet, I find instruction in Philippians 1:27, "Whatever happens, conduct yourselves in a manner worthy of the gospel of Christ."
Anything of the Lord capture your heart from Scripture today? Share what moved you about him from your Bible reading today. I'd love to hear from you!
If you have someone you would like to receive these ruminations, send me their email address. I'm happy to add them to the list. If you are receiving this and would like to be removed from the list, just reply and let me know.
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