In which the reward for humbly trusting in God is clearly revealed, even against and despite seemingly overwhelming odds, and we consider the power of the Most High God.

*2 Kings 19-20

*Psalm 68

2 Corinthians 11

– Devotion by Jeremy Martin

            The beginning of our 2Ki 19-20 reading today finds our hero Hezekiah fiercely beset  by a vastly superior armed force.  Please take a moment to read 2Ki 18:13-37 to refresh yourself of the specifics.  If you recall, back in chapter 17, Judah’s sister nation Israel has already been taken captive previously and forced into exile.  In 2Ki 18: 1-13, we see that Hezekiah the king of Judah was spared this fate because he trusted God, he clung to God, he didn’t turn away from following God and obeying His commandments.  So he’s still in power but right now there’s a massive army surrounding him that has already conquered everyone else around, gathered en masse outside the gates hurling taunts at the city, and they seem prepared to hurl much more dangerous bits as well. 

            First, let’s get an idea of the scale of things.  This large, technologically advanced force was at the time part of the most dominant military power in the near east.  Aggadah literature describes the army as composed of “45,000 ‘princes’ in golden chariots, 80,000 armored warriors, 60,000 swordsmen, and numerous cavalry”, in the rabbinic tradition.  So far in the campaign, Sennacherib has conquered 46 other fortified cities. This estimate of forces is also backed scripturally and apocryphally in 2 Ki 9:35, Judith 14:11-12, and Is 37:36.  Conversely, the population of Jerusalem  (per wikipedia) during Hezekiah’s time was a whopping “up to about 25000” people, total. 

            So on one hand you’ve got a city with (around) 25,000 men, women, and children in it, and on the other hand an advanced army of armored warriors and cavalry numbering well over 185,000 (not counting camp followers).  Things are looking, not to put too fine a point on things, “bad” for our heroes.  With this picture in mind, now add the leader of these forces shouting up to the nervous inhabitants the taunting insults detailed in  2Ki 18:13-37. We would probably be hearing a much different historical account if not for a couple tiny little details: firstly, the commander shouting up at the walls insulted God.  Secondly, Hezekiah was a man who trusted God, who clung to God, who loved God and God loved him back.

            It should be noted that according to the events listed in 2Ki 19:2-8 that it appears as if God miraculously diverts the first attempted attack and causes the army to go home, but that then after an unspecified (but probably short) time has passed, the commander sends threatening letters back to Hezekiah and heads back with his troops to “finish business”.

            At this point, Hezekiah “tore his clothes, covered himself with sackcloth, and entered the House of Yahweh” (19:1, LSB) and then prayed one of the most beautiful and humble prayers in scripture.  Beginning in 2Ki 19: 14-19 (LSB translation): “Then Hezekiah took the letter from the hand of the messengers and read it, and he went up to the house of Yahweh and spread it out before Yahweh…and said “O Yahweh, the God of Israel, who is enthroned above the cherubim, You are the God, You alone, of all the kingdoms of the earth.  You have made heaven and earth.  Incline Your ear, O Yahweh, and hear; open Your eyes, O Yahweh, and see; and listen to the words of Sennacherib, who sent them to reproach the living God.  Truly, O Yahweh, the kings of Assyria have laid waste the nations and their lands and have put their gods into the fire, for they were not gods but the work of men’s hands, wood and stone.  So they have destroyed them.  But now, O Yahweh our God, I pray, save us from his hand that all the kingdoms of the earth may know that You alone, O Yahweh, are God“.

            In our reading today of Ps 68, we see in v17 that “The chariots of God are myriads, thousands upon thousands…” (LSB).  Rev 5:11 states that (concerning angels)  “the numbering of them was myriads upon myriads, and thousands of thousands“.  We don’t really have an accurate number of how many angels serve God, but a very conservative guesstimate would be “lots and lots”.  If today’s reading of 2Ki 19:35 has been transmitted and understood accurately, God sent 1 (one) of these innumerable angels to the enemy camp and that angel killed 185,000 men.  Pause, digest, consider.  One angel, and he wiped out almost an entire army, the most powerful of the time.  One angel out a large force of angels (out of Millions?  Billions?  we really have no idea, just “myriads upon myriads”).  Just one angel.

            **An interesting side note is that Hezekiah is described as “the best-attested figure in biblical history,” due to the extensive documentation of his reign in biblical texts and external sources (notably Assyrian inscriptions), per Wikipedia.  This entire story is documented both biblically and through a number of extra-biblical sources.  There’s a wonderfully deep hole full of information on that you can fall down into if you’re interested in that sort of thing.  I did, but for our intents and purposes it is only important to note that although in agreement in general about the number of men killed, some of the sources do give different accounts of the manner that the men actually died (but in all fairness it never said how the angel of Yahweh killed them, just that he had).   

            This bible story has always fascinated me.  What a fantastic, miraculous, wonderful thing.  It happened so long ago though, and that sort of thing doesn’t happen these days, right?  Wrong.  Reports from the Yom Kippur war in 1973 describe an incident on the Golan Heights where a Syrian tank commander reportedly told Israeli interrogators that his forces were halted by a vision of a whole host of white angels standing on the missile line, accompanied by a white hand from heaven commanding them to stop.  This encounter allegedly occurred during the “Valley of Tears” battle, where a small Israeli force held off a much larger Syrian advance. According to the account, the Syrian commander said he could not proceed due to the supernatural presence, which instilled fear and caused his troops to retreat. This story is cited in multiple sources, including religious and historical commentary, as a supernatural turning point in the war.  Look it up.

            As humans, our senses are finite and limited.  God is not.  In 2 Ki 6:16-17 we see another example of this when Elisha tells his servant not to worry, that those with them outnumbered those that were against them, and then “Elisha prayed and said, “O Yahweh, I pray, open his eyes that he may see.” And Yahweh opened the eyes of the young man and he saw; and behold, the mountain was full of horses and chariots of fire all around …” (LSB).  We often forget that our God, the God Most High, the Creator of the heavens and the earth is the most powerful being that exists.  Myriads upon myriads of beings far more powerful than humans serve him currently, and just one of His angels can wipe out an entire army.  This is not a weak king; this is the creator, ruler, and owner of the universe who will bring about his willed purpose no matter what, and He is awesome.  This makes it all the more humbling when we realize how ferociously He loves you, and all that He has done for YOU specifically, and what price He paid for your redemption.  A very high price indeed. 

REFLECTION QUESTIONS

  1. Do you constantly keep in the forefront of your mind the incredible, unstoppable power of the Most High God, or have you allowed yourself to be deceived by your limited senses?
  2. Have you considered how silly pride is on our part, when we consider the magnititude of God?
  3. Have you seen, or felt,  divine intervention directly in your life?  When?
  4. Why do we worry, when we consider all of the above?

PRAYER

Lord God Most High, Mighty God, I humble myself before You.  Forgive me, teach me, and open my eyes so that I can see.  Open my ears so that I can hear You.  Circumcise my heart and teach me to love you as fiercely as you have loved me, in Jesus name, Amen.

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In which the rebellious children of Israel sin against God, and receive instruction as a result.

*2 Kings 17-18

Psalm 68

2 Corinthians 10

-Devotion by Jeremy Martin (TN)

            In the beginning of today’s reading we are in an extremely tumultuous time in the history of Israel.  The kingdoms of Israel and Judah have split apart from each other and throughout the books of Kings they give a recounting of each nation separately.  Starting out today in 2 Kings 17, we begin in the nation of Israel, and in verse 6 we see that “the king of Assyria captured Samaria and took Israel away into exile”.  I’m sure some of the people back then were asking the age old question, “why would God let something like this happen?!”.  Well, as we read on, we’re told exactly why, and if we’re being honest we can probably apply that same answer to when this question is asked even now.

            In 2Ki 17: 7-18, it explains: “Now this happened because the sons of Israel had sinned against Yahweh their God (v7)…And the sons of Israel did things secretly which were not right against Yahweh their God (v9)…and they did evil things provoking Yahweh to anger (v10b)…So Yahweh was very angry with Israel and caused them to depart from His presence…(v18a)” (The LSB translation is used throughout this devotional, unless otherwise noted).  In between the lines of the above, scriptures give a pretty long laundry list of their offenses as well, including some pretty pronounced idolatry (which you may recall as being the first of the “Thou shalt not”s listed in Exodus 20, so… probably a pretty big deal).  They forsook the commandments of Yahweh (v16), sacrificed their children to other gods (passed through the fire refers to human sacrifice to a specific pagan god), and practiced sorcery (v17), among other things.

            Can you imagine the pain, as a Father, of your children acting in this manner towards you?  Especially considering that He had done so much for them, and saved them miraculously from their oppression in Egypt, feeding and caring for them as they went, performing miracles and signs and wonders.  Over and over.  I can imagine it, I’m a father now.  I was also that wicked, rebellious child who acted the same way towards my own father when I was younger.  I’m sorry Dad, and I’m sorry Father God.  My dad was a rock, he was faithful and true even when I wasn’t, and kept on loving me.  Just like my heavenly Father.  What can I say, words alone cannot express my sorrow or regret.  I hang my head in shame and weep, I repent of my foolishness; but just like my dad, my heavenly Father came running towards me when I began to come home.  It is heartbreakingly humbling, and still brings me to tears.

            All of this rebellion was in spite of the fact that our loving Father, the most merciful, the most gracious, continued to reach out to his children Israel.  In 2Ki 17:13-15 we see that even though Israel continued to be wicked and rebellious toward Yahweh God, He continues to reach out to them and warn them”by the hand of all of His prophets and every seer, saying “Turn from your evil ways and keep My commandments…“”, “However, they did not listen, but stiffened their neck like their fathers, who did not believe in Yahweh their God…”.  How much foolishness can be tolerated, though?  We see in v18 God has finally had enough, and “kicks them out of the house” essentially. 

            In 2Ki 17: 24-28 there’s a great little sub-plot to the main story. When God kicks the Israelites out, the king of assyria moves some new tenants in.  I absolutely love the very tongue-in-cheek start of v25: “Now it happened at the beginning of their settlement there, that they did not fear Yahweh…” (LSB), and then, lions.  Eventually an Israelite priest was sent back to teach the new residents “how they should fear Yahweh“(v28b) but the lions had already given them a pretty good start, it sounds like.  God is holy, and  freely (and sometimes painfully) offers instruction to His children when they forget Him.  I like the phrasing of Ps 50:22 on this topic, it’s (not) subtle.

Meanwhile, back in the nation of Judah…A king is born who pleases God

            Enter Hezekiah, king of Judah, who “did what was right in the sight of Yahweh” (2Ki 18:3).  It goes on in the reading to list some of the good that he did, including a very interesting note in v4b, “…And he broke in pieces the bronze serpent that Moses had made, for until those days the sons of Israel were burning incense to it: and it was called Nehushtan“.  Wait, what?!  Stop for a moment and go read Nu 21: 4-9, it’s one of those little sub plots that passes by so quick that if you’re not paying attention, you’ll miss it entirely.  Then read that (2Ki 18:4) again.

            Here’s what to extrapolate from this: anything can become an idol to us, if we let it.  The bronze snake which once was a tool for salvation to the Israelites became an idol, an implement of destruction instead which led many astray.  I’m sure it even seemed right at the time.  Shema (Listen up, pay attention), ecclesia (church)!  Our prayers, our rituals, our practices, our doctrines, our holy days, our fasts, our scriptural readings, even the things which may have once saved us, all of these things are just tools to help us attain our true purpose: the unconditional and overwhelming love towards the Father that He deserves.   Use the tools you have to fulfill your purpose, but do not let them become the purpose.

            Here are some phrases that are used to describe Hezekiah: “He trusted in Yahweh…(v5), So he clung to Yahweh; he did not turn away from following Him, but kept His commandments…(v6), And Yahweh was with him…(v7)”.  This trust and seeking after God is what saves him, coming up in the next chapter, because God loves him back.  If you read 2Ki 18:13-37 you can see the situation setting itself up.  I don’t want to give any spoiler alerts from tomorrow’s reading, but in the next chapter is one of the most beautiful and humble prayers in the Bible (2Ki 19:15-19) and (spoiler alert) God saves him, and (spoiler alert) again in the next chapter.  The reason that God intervenes on his behalf is because he trusted in God.  He clung to God.  He didn’t turn away, but kept the commandments of God.  This is the description of a man trying to love God with his whole heart, as stated in Deut 6:4-5 and quoted in Matt 12:29-32 as the primary of all the commandments.

            We have one job: to love the Father with everything we’ve got.  When we do this, and understand, then we will also love our neighbor (our fellow creation) as ourself.  Everything else will follow.  We will trust Him.  We will cling to Him.  We will follow and obey Him.  If the things that you are doing are helping you to achieve that goal, God is good, give glory to God! If not, consider your ways and where they are leading.  We often in our arrogance and pride remove God from throne of our heart and sit there in His place.  That’s not your spot (as I often tell my giant dogs when they try to sit on the couch).  He has shown you, O man, what is good… (Mic 6:8).  He has “spread out My hands all day long to a rebellious people, Who walk in the way which is not good, following their own thoughts” (Is 65:2).  Isn’t it time, like a small child wanting to be held, to hold out our hands toward our Father, and cling to Him?

REFLECTION QUESTIONS

What are some practical steps we can take to trust God more, and ourselves less?

What things can we do differently to please our Father?

Is there an idol in your heart that you have clung to?

If yes to the above, what is it, and why have you kept clinging to it?

PRAYER

Father God, please forgive me for my many shortcomings.  Help to trust in You completely, to cling to You above all else, and to model the love that You have shown me to all of Your creation in order to honor You.  May the lips of all of Your creation offer You the praise You deserve.  Please instruct me, discipline me when I err, and guide me along the path that leads to Your kingdom.  In Jesus’ name, Amen.   

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Politics, Salvation, and Tzedakah

*2 Kings 15-16

*Psalm 67

*2 Corinthians 9

-Devotion by Jeremy Martin (TN) 

            The books of Kings read like a fast paced ancient soap opera, with lots of betrayals, fighting, and excitement.  In the short span of these two chapters in 2 Kings from today’s reading we see 9 different shifts of political power, including 1 guy that only lasted a month in the job (1Ki 15:13-14). There’s a LOT going on here.  These books let us know right off if we like a guy or if we don’t, as one of the first lines describing every ruler who takes power in either Israel or Judah (this was the time of the split kingdoms) says something along the lines of “…And he did what was right in the sight of Yahweh” or “…And he did what was evil in the sight of Yahweh” (LSB translation used for both quotes).  These books were always very interesting to me as a kid, because of all the excitement going on.

            Our modern politics get a little exciting too, occasionally.  I remember during the last American election it seemed like there was a very strong delineation in ideological beliefs, with some folks heavily leaning in one direction and some folks leaning heavily in the other.  I’m going to share my favorite verse on politics because I think it’s important to keep in mind what kingdom we aspire to be citizens of.  This is a good one to memorize, it’s found in Isaiah 8:11-13 and states:

            “11For thus Yahweh spoke to me with a strong hand and disciplined me not to walk           

              in the way of this people, saying,

       12“You are not to say, ‘It is a conspiracy!’

In regard to all that this people call a conspiracy;

And you are not to fear what they fear, and you shall not tremble.

       13It is Yahweh of hosts whom you should regard as holy.

And He shall be your fear,

And He shall be your cause of trembling.” (LSB Translation)

            Focus on the important things, in other words.  So sure, things might be getting exciting in the local political arena.   There may be mud slinging, drama, excitement, slander, conspiracies, etc going on, but what we need to remember politically is that God’s got this.  All these things will happen according to God’s will, and God’s plan, and we know according to scripture that it’s going to get a lot worse before it gets better.  Don’t get too caught up in it.  I’m not saying don’t vote, or care, I’m saying our focus needs to be on God.  It does not behoove us as followers of Christ to focus overmuch in the politics of this kingdom, but rather to focus on seeking first the kingdom of God, and His righteousness. 

            I did want to briefly point out a verse in our Psalms reading today, because it’s just so cool.  I have mentioned this in passing before, but the name of Jesus (Yehushua, or Yeshua for short) means literally “salvation” or “Yahweh saves”.  So when we get to our reading  in Ps 67:2 today it says “That Your way may be known on the earth, Your salvation (יְשׁוּעָתֶֽךָ׃ , “Yeshuateka”) among all the nations.”.  It literally is telling us that God’s Yeshua will be known among all the nations.  Read that in context with the entire chapter.  This is the ultimate foreshadowing.  Pretty cool, isn’t it?!  For a similar use of Yeshua in prophetic foreshadowing also check out Isaiah 49:6.  He reveals to us His plans in advance, it’s pretty awesome.

            We’re going to really focus in on our 2 Corinthians 9 reading today and being a good steward of the blessings that God’s given you, because it very much highlights a concept that is critical but largely ignored in the Christian community, and I firmly believe that it is a necessary information/practice (based on a number of scriptures) to enter into God’s kingdom, so please take note!  This is probably going to be a new word for you, but what I’m talking about is Tzedakah.  A (bad) translation of Tzedakah would be “Charity”, but that doesn’t come even close to covering the full flavor or meaning of the term.  Here’s (some of) what Wikipedia says about it (and I encourage you to look this up yourself as well, there are even some Youtube videos on the subject):

WIKIPEDIA: “…Tzedakah (Tzedaka) refers to the religious obligation to do what is right and just, which Judaism emphasizes as an important part of living a spiritual life. Unlike voluntary philanthropy, tzedakah is seen as a religious obligation that must be performed regardless of one’s financial standing, and so is mandatory even for those of limited financial means.  Tzedakah is considered to be one of the three main acts that can positively influence an unfavorable heavenly decree.

The word tzedakah is based on the Hebrew (צדק‎,Tzedeq), meaning

“righteousness, fairness,or justice

            The concept of tzedaka is completely intertwined with the concepts of righteousness, equity, mercy, and justice: so much so that you can almost substitute each word with one of the others listed above when you see any of them in the scriptures, if tzedeq is the root word (it usually is).  There are hundreds of instances like this in scripture, but most of the time we translate it into english as “Righteousness”, or “Justice” and completely ignore the deeper spiritual aspect of “Mercy”, but they are all inseparably intertwined!  Charity isn’t what it’s talking about, specifically.  I’ll try to elaborate a little for a better understanding.

            God has given you an abundance of gifts.  He has given these gifts to each of us in varying degrees, but all blessings have come from God (James 1:17).  You didn’t earn that, God gave it to you. Everything and everyone on this earth belongs to God, and He has chosen to share some with you (Ps 24:1).  Now if you think that God gave you that blessing so you could hoard it up and lord it over your fellow creation (like most of us tend to think nowadays) you would be 100% wrong: He gave us gifts so that we could share them and by so doing honor our God. 

            Jesus himself actually commands us to “give to any who ask” in Matt 5:42.  This is not  about charity, this is about radical generosity as a proof of your faith, rooted in the trust of God’s provison and a desire to honor Him and reflect His unconditional love to the rest of your fellow creation.  This is an opportunity to model a working faith and trust in our God.  This is not an option.  See James 5:1-5, and begin to understand in no uncertain terms that this is a command by God.  It is God’s expectation of you that when your cup runneth over, you splash it around, in other words.  As an indication of importance, each of our other sister religions, our fellow “Children of the Book” (consisting of Jews, Christians, and Muslims), each have a word and a religious requirement to do this.  Oddly, we don’t.  Please, do not let the money you’ve kept in your pockets weigh you down so much that you can’t enter into the kingdom of Heaven.

REFLECTION QUESTIONS

  1. Which kingdom are you more focused on, the one you’re living in, or the one coming?  Follow up question: How’s that working out for you?
  2. Do you currently practice tzedakah (even if you didn’t know the word, before)? Why?
  3. How can we do better?

PRAYER

Father God, from Your generous hand has come all of our many blessings, which we have not deserved or earned.   Father, forgive us the times when we have been selfish, and help us to change our hearts to become better servants and an example of Your love to those around us, to everyone we know and to everyone we meet.  In Jesus name, Amen.

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Generosity of Heart

  

2 Kings 13-14 

Psalm 67            

2 Corinthians 8

-Devotion by Tom Siderius (MI)

The Corinthian church was composed of a majority of Gentiles.  Corinth had been a Greek city and now was a Roman city. All the administration and customs there were Roman, and the culture was Greek and Roman combined.  The city was a very rich place by all accounts of that time because of the trade and transportation that went through it from both sides of the peninsula that it was located on.  The culture of that time was very religious, and it was not a question of believing in god, but what gods and when were the questions.  Also the city was full of the Greek philosophers such as the Stoics, Epicurians, Cynics, and others.  Giving and sacrifice was part of all these systems of pagan worship and thought.

Paul had advised the Corinthians about giving and its importance and position in the worship of daily life towards God.  We see evidence of what he taught them in Romans 16:1-4.  The flow of money and help was from the Gentile churches who had received the Word of Truth from the apostles and prophets of the early church, to the work that was centered in Jerusalem.  The church leaders there were James the brother of Jesus, as well as Peter and John.  Paul and Barnabas meeting with them is recorded in the book of Acts chapter 15 where the questions of the law and circumcision for the Gentiles were discussed and then settled with the apostles there.

Giving is a simple and at the same time complex question that we need to understand and teach.  The tithes of the law do not apply to us now in the same way as in the Old Testament so there is no direct formula to follow.  We need to see that true Christian generosity comes from the heart of the believer.  First we are fully committed to Christ, and then our heart needs to change to be fully committed to the care of others both inside the church and outside of it.  Paul instructs us in 1 Corinthians 16 the “how” of our giving, and in 2 Corinthians 8-9 the “why” of our giving.

1 Corinthians 16:1-4(NLT) Now regarding your question about the money being collected for God’s people in Jerusalem. You should follow the same procedure I gave to the churches in Galatia. 2 On the first day of each week, you should each put aside a portion of the money you have earned. Don’t wait until I get there and then try to collect it all at once. 3 When I come, I will write letters of recommendation for the messengers you choose to deliver your gift to Jerusalem. 4 And if it seems appropriate for me to go along, they can travel with me.

Great advice about the “how” to do it part of the commitment to give.  We say “give to God” but there really isn’t any way that we can do that.  We can give out of our finances, resources and time to people and organizations but not directly to God.  God has no need of anything that we could possibly have or give to Him.  Everything that we have or possess is because of His grace and love.  Our finances, talents and abilities are all tools that can be utilized in our walk.  What he does ask us to do is to be conscious and generous about how we treat others in Christ, and those in need.  

What is your first reaction when you see a need in the church?

What is your first reaction when you see a need in another believer’s life?  

How about the unbeliever?

This gets difficult to figure out at times.  Giving to my direct church body in Blanchard is easy to figure out.  Giving to the General Conference is another easy choice.  Then there are direct gifts of money or time for those in need that we are directly related or connected with.  Then there are organizations outside the COGGC that may merit our help or financial support.  Paul once again gives us great advice on “why” of our giving in 2 Corinthians 8:8-15.  

2 Corinthians 8:8-12(NLT) I am not commanding you to do this. But I am testing how genuine your love is by comparing it with the eagerness of the other churches. 9 You know the generous grace of our Lord Jesus Christ. Though he was rich, yet for your sakes he became poor, so that by his poverty he could make you rich. 10 Here is my advice: It would be good for you to finish what you started a year ago. Last year you were the first who wanted to give, and you were the first to begin doing it. 11 Now you should finish what you started. Let the eagerness you showed in the beginning be matched now by your giving. Give in proportion to what you have. 12 Whatever you give is acceptable if you give it eagerly. And give according to what you have, not what you don’t have.

Paul once again puts financial giving into perspective for us.  We should be eager and willing to walk in truth, knowledge, faith and love.  And to this also Paul shows that our Christian giving is important.  It is not an obligation but rather a choice that we should make about our priorities and directions.  

2 Corinthians 8:13-15(NLT) Of course, I don’t mean your giving should make life easy for others and hard for yourselves. I only mean that there should be some equality. 14 Right now you have plenty and can help those who are in need. Later, they will have plenty and can share with you when you need it. In this way, things will be equal. 15 As the Scriptures say,

“Those who gathered a lot had nothing left over,

and those who gathered only a little had enough.”

See also the record from Romans where Paul talks about the gifts and the direction of the flow of support to Jerusalem that is recorded in Acts 15. 

Romans 15:25-27(NLT) But before I come, I must go to Jerusalem to take a gift to the believers there. 26 For you see, the believers in Macedonia and Achaia have eagerly taken up an offering for the poor among the believers in Jerusalem. 27 They were glad to do this because they feel they owe a real debt to them. Since the Gentiles received the spiritual blessings of the Good News from the believers in Jerusalem, they feel the least they can do in return is to help them financially

We don’t have a law of giving to follow, but the promise from God that those who sow generously will reap generously.  Recognition of the riches of our life that God has given us will change our perspective on our life, family, job, and church body.  This new godly perspective of our position and responsibilities will change us to be able to give with a generous heart and mind.  We will be able to do the good works that God has prepared for us to do in this life.

Reflection Questions

Can we truly do any good work that does not involve God?

If God calls us to do something won’t He give us the resources to do it?

Prayer

Father God, we put our hearts and hands into Yours.  Thank you for your great love to give us the bread of our need this day, and the resources to help others.  Bless the work of our hands, and the responses of our heart.  Be with us this day and help us to do the works You have called us to do.  In the name of Your Son Jesus Christ.

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Godly Sorrow Works Repentance

2 Kings 11-12  
Psalm 66            
2 Corinthians 7

-Devotion by Tom Siderius (MI)

Join us together today reading tough history lessons from 2 Kings and the letter to the 2 Corinthians that is a corrective epistle.  The book of Romans is mostly doctrinal and is telling us how to believe correctly in Christ.  The epistle of 1 Corinthians is correction and in it Paul does many corrections of the wrong believing that the church there had, which caused the wrong actions that they had done.  The second epistle of Corinthians is a follow up to the first one, and Paul gives them additional correction that they are ready to hear now.  He continues to give them guidance on how to apply what they have learned from him and other teachers that have instructed their church.  

2 Corinthians 7:8-13(NLT) I am not sorry that I sent that severe letter to you, though I was sorry at first, for I know it was painful to you for a little while. 9 Now I am glad I sent it, not because it hurt you, but because the pain caused you to repent and change your ways. It was the kind of sorrow God wants his people to have, so you were not harmed by us in any way. 10 For the kind of sorrow God wants us to experience leads us away from sin and results in salvation. There’s no regret for that kind of sorrow. But worldly sorrow, which lacks repentance, results in spiritual death. 11 Just see what this godly sorrow produced in you! Such earnestness, such concern to clear yourselves, such indignation, such alarm, such longing to see me, such zeal, and such a readiness to punish wrong. You showed that you have done everything necessary to make things right. 12 My purpose, then, was not to write about who did the wrong or who was wronged. I wrote to you so that in the sight of God you could see for yourselves how loyal you are to us. 13 We have been greatly encouraged by this.

This section from 2 Corinthians 7 is very instructional for all of us.  Paul shows us how to relate to each other when sin is involved.  Then he gives us insight into how to change to become more like Christ.  I know for sure that I have had several instances in my walk with God where this section of scripture has applied (like 5000, maybe more).  When we are corrected by the Word of God and the ministers of it, it at first will not be comfortable or palatable.  Our first human reaction is to reject the correction because I am sure that it is wrong and certainly does not apply to me.  

Then as we contemplate and meditate on what is written our minds will become convicted by the truth.  Repentance is the motivation to change our ways and comes from learning what is correct believing and correct behavior.  It will lead us away from our wrong thoughts and behavior giving us a new perspective and new thinking.  Maybe a renewing of our minds (any idea where that came from?) to the truth.  

We need to learn how to believe in Christ correctly, but life is filled with opportunities to do it God’s way or our own way.  Making Christ lord in our lives must include the humility to let the truth change our thinking into the thoughts of God.

Get rid of stinking thinking!!  Crude but effective comment.  

If there is no brother or sister in Christ willing and able to show us the wrong direction of our ways, then we will continue to be living without fellowship with God and His Son.  We all have strengths in different areas of our lives, and together we replace the absent Christ as the church of his body.  You may be able to help me to see the correct path in a given situation for what I need to do.  But if you are not willing to correct me, I am the loser.  In the same way I need to see the actions and behavior of others through the lens of scripture.  If correction is needed, then we should do it with gentleness and care for others.  It is not a hammer to be wielded on others but a pointing to the truth with firmness and strength of truth.   

2 Timothy 2:25-26(NLT) Gently instruct those who oppose the truth. Perhaps God will change those people’s hearts, and they will learn the truth. 26 Then they will come to their senses and escape from the devil’s trap. For they have been held captive by him to do whatever he wants.

Reflection Questions

Does this section of 2 Corinthians help you to see the path of righteous living?

Are you willing to be the leader in Christ that this is calling us to be?

How should we handle these situations with others in the church?

Prayer

Father God, we have failed you so many times. Thank you for bringing us back to You through godly teaching and leadership. Help us to be the child You desire us to be and to repent of our shortcomings and failure. Thank you Father for the forgiveness of our sin in every part of our lives. All praise to You on high, You are our Father and we love You so much. In the name of our lord and savior Jesus Christ.

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Refined Like Silver

2 Kings 9-10    

Psalm 66           

2 Corinthians 6

-Devotion by Tom Siderius (MI)

Psalms 66:8-10(NKJV)

Oh, bless our God, you peoples!

And make the voice of His praise to be heard,

9 Who keeps our soul among the living,

And does not allow our feet to be moved.

10 For You, O God, have tested us;

You have refined us as silver is refined.

There is a theme going through all the sections  we are reading  today.  We are slaves to sin before we receive Christ, but then after, we can walk with righteous new life before our Father.  Our hearts need to become like the heart of Christ and not the heart of disobedience which is what we had before we became children of God.  Silver is refined by heat, a process carried out multiple times.  Our heart needs continual refining towards the goal of becoming like Christ.  We don’t start out that way and the lifetime fight with the deceitful heart is something all of us will have with our walk with God.

Genesis 8:21(NLT) And the LORD was pleased with the aroma of the sacrifice and said to himself, “I will never again curse the ground because of the human race, even though everything they think or imagine is bent toward evil from childhood. I will never again destroy all living things.

The nation of Israel had as king Ahab and the queen his wife Jezebel who led their nation into a continual and total worship of Baal.  This was the time of Elijah and then Elisha.  Remember the contest on the mountain between the prophets of Baal and the prophet of God Elijah?  This became a time of such idolatry in the 10 tribes’ nation of Israel that God calls out and then sends Jehu, one of the commanders in Ahab’s army, to settle the situation.  God has the prophet tell Jehu that he will be king, but he must kill Ahab and all his family.  He also was directed to destroy all the temples and prophets of Baal.

2 Kings 10:25-31(NLT) Then Jehu’s men went into the innermost fortress of the temple of Baal. 26 They dragged out the sacred pillar used in the worship of Baal and burned it. 27 They smashed the sacred pillar and wrecked the temple of Baal, converting it into a public toilet, as it remains to this day.

28 In this way, Jehu destroyed every trace of Baal worship from Israel. 29 He did not, however, destroy the gold calves at Bethel and Dan, with which Jeroboam son of Nebat had caused Israel to sin.

30 Nonetheless the LORD said to Jehu, “You have done well in following my instructions to destroy the family of Ahab. Therefore, your descendants will be kings of Israel down to the fourth generation.” 31 But Jehu did not obey the Law of the LORD, the God of Israel, with all his heart. He refused to turn from the sins that Jeroboam had led Israel to commit.

Many questions come to mind as I read the passage.  Why does God choose Jehu to become king when God knows that Jehu will not settle the issue of the golden calf worship that was started by Jeroboam.  This was after Solomon died and the nation split.  The refining mission of Jehu on the nation of Israel is partial but not complete.  The true worship of Yahweh would include going to the temple at Jerusalem three times per year and apparently Jehu did not want to let the people go there.  Instead, he kept the worship of the calves which the people were told that they should do instead of going to the feasts at the temple.  His desire to control the people outweighed a decision to follow God’s law.  Further refinement will be on the way for the nation of Israel.

Also, why does the whole family, children and servants of Ahab and Jezebel have to die in the process?  Worship of Baal and the Astaroth was a fertility worship that included a great deal of activities that would be shocking to us even to today.  (Or maybe not.)  When the king of Israel led the people to do evil continually the smell of their sacrifices and altars was so putrefying to God that He sent the ultimate judgement against their whole family. By eliminating the many sons of Ahab there would be no palace intrigue against Jehu and his sons as kings in Israel.  The deaths of so many that did evil is truly a refining process. 

It was a bloody, violent and gruesome ending for them and especially Jezebel who ends up crushed and eaten by dogs to leave only a few of her bones.  The pit they dug for others is where they died.

Psalms 9:15-16(NLT) The nations have fallen into the pit they dug for others.

Their own feet have been caught in the trap they set.

16 The LORD is known for his justice.

The wicked are trapped by their own deeds.

Why does God execute such judgement against people in the Old Testament time?

Should we look for this judgement today against those that do evil?  

The New Testament brings us the teaching of Jesus and the apostles and prophets of the early church.  Now we are admonished to love our enemies, to turn our cheek, and to give grace to all we meet.  Sometimes this is used by Christians to justify a completely pacifist view.  Certainly, Jesus does not call or lead us to dominate our world by military power or war.  But the viewpoint we should have should be to see that sometimes evil is so great that God will lift his hand of protection against those people and the destruction of war and violence will come from this time of unbelief.  They will be refined by falling into their own pit that they have dug, and captured by the net they have set.  Unbelief and greed coming from evil leaders is certainly the source of most conflicts in history and in the world today.  Evil and deceit come from the heart of man to do evil continuously and leaders who lead from this deceit are responsible for most misery and war. 

We have no promise of peace in this administration of grace but are admonished by God not to be the cause of the disharmony or conflict.  We are to be light in the world showing others the way to Christ and God.  If our country and leaders lead us into wars which are based on greed and deceit there may be Christians caught up in these conflicts.  The records of the Word show many times the strength of warriors who do righteous battle for nations and we are certainly not immune from war today.  

In Hebrews 11 we find a list of men who battled for their nation from the weakness of being the hand of the army of God.  They include David, Gideon, Barak, and others.  These are armies which depend on the living God to help them to victory and show us a pattern of righteous action. Not armies dependent on their own strength.

What is it to fight from weakness and how does that work?

Our 2 Corinthian reading also shows us further refining the silver of our lives.  Yokes of livestock need to be closely matched in order to get the best effort for their work.  You can pair a small horse with a large ox, but the results will be a very crooked plowing path.  In the same way God tells us to look to our family in the church for those to be paired up in our work.  We will be both pulling in the same way in the same direction.  Our efforts will work together for righteousness,

2 Corinthians 6:11-16(NKJV) O Corinthians! We have spoken openly to you, our heart is wide open. 12 You are not restricted by us, but you are restricted by your own affections. 13 Now in return for the same (I speak as to children), you also be open. 14 Do not be unequally yoked together with unbelievers. For what fellowship has righteousness with lawlessness? And what communion has light with darkness? 15 And what accord has Christ with Belial? Or what part has a believer with an unbeliever? 16 And what agreement has the temple of God with idols? For you are the temple of the living God. As God has said:

“I will dwell in them

And walk among them.

I will be their God,

And they shall be My people.”

Leviticus 26:12-13(NLT) I will walk among you; I will be your God, and you will be my people. 13 I am the LORD your God, who brought you out of the land of Egypt so you would no longer be their slaves. I broke the yoke of slavery from your neck so you can walk with your heads held high.

Do you see yourself and the church today as the chosen people of God?

Our warfare as the church today, we pray, will not be with the weapons of this world, but our national identity is the true people of God and our weapons are spiritual.  Our authority is established with God as our Father and leader and any state mandated statues must be subservient to this authority.  God calls for us to not be unequally yoked with the unbeliever.  We should not be yoked to the sin and passion of this world.  We need to support and strengthen each other in our spiritual family and relationships. God has not delivered us from the slavery to sin of this world for us to willingly go back to its authority. We cannot change the world’s violence in every situation but rather we teach and preach Christ the prince of peace to all we meet.  God continues to refine us as silver in our thoughts and actions when we trust Him.

Reflection Questions – see above and …

Has this discussion changed your view of the conflicts of this world?

Prayer

Father God, we lift all our people that may be involved in the conflicts of this world.  We ask Your protection for all of us from the evil that is so pervasive.  Continue to refine our lives to become like Christ and help us to act from our new hearts.  Give us today the bread of our need and deliver us from the pit others have dug for us.  Thank you Father for all that Your do to protect and keep us in every way.  In the precious name of Jesus Christ, we pray this day.

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The Meditation of Our Hearts

2 Kings 7-8         

Psalm 65            

2 Corinthians 5

-Devotion by Tom Siderius (MI)

Welcome to another wonderful day with God as our Father and Christ as lord in our lives.  God’s Word gives us comfort, strength, confidence and grace every time we read and meditate on it.  Our readings today are full of all these attributes of our God who loves us so much.

Psalms 65:5-8(NLT) 

You faithfully answer our prayers with awesome deeds,

O God our savior.

You are the hope of everyone on earth,

even those who sail on distant seas.

6 You formed the mountains by your power

and armed yourself with mighty strength.

7 You quieted the raging oceans

with their pounding waves

and silenced the shouting of the nations.

8 Those who live at the ends of the earth

stand in awe of your wonders.

From where the sun rises to where it sets,

you inspire shouts of joy.

Father, thank you for your answers to our heart’s prayers and needs.  Help us to remember your great love and care of us and all the earth.

2 Corinthians 5:14-15(NLT)  Either way, Christ’s love controls us. Since we believe that Christ died for all, we also believe that we have all died to our old life. 15 He died for everyone so that those who receive his new life will no longer live for themselves. Instead, they will live for Christ, who died and was raised for them.

Father, we thank you for giving us new life in Christ, that our old nature is replaced with this new life of relationship and fellowship with You and Your Son

2 Corinthians 5:16-17(NLT) So we have stopped evaluating others from a human point of view. At one time we thought of Christ merely from a human point of view. How differently we know him now! 17 This means that anyone who belongs to Christ has become a new person. The old life is gone; a new life has begun!

Father God, help us to see what Christ has done for us.  Then help us to see what Christ has done for all who hear Your voice.  Your love for us is overwhelming. 

2 Corinthians 5:18-21(NLT) And all of this is a gift from God, who brought us back to himself through Christ. And God has given us this task of reconciling people to him. 19 For God was in Christ, reconciling the world to himself, no longer counting people’s sins against them. And he gave us this wonderful message of reconciliation. 20 So we are Christ’s ambassadors; God is making his appeal through us. We speak for Christ when we plead, “Come back to God!” 21 For God made Christ, who never sinned, to be the offering for our sin, so that we could be made right with God through Christ.

To become an ambassador is to become the representative of the king or ruler whom you represent.  In the Eastern culture of that time there was no telephone, texting or internet to communicate to the ambassador in real time what the ruler desired for him to do.  So, the ambassador would act in the name of the king or ruler to make decisions, treaties or other relationships with the people he or she was talking to.  In the same way we have been given the position of a trusted ambassador by our God, and He is sending us to those that we meet with a message of salvation and grace.  We are confident of our position because God has forgiven our sins and shortcomings making us His treasured family and trusted representatives. Our lives should be the living proof of what God has done for mankind.

Our position as God’s ambassadors is to tell the God-story (gospel) to all that we meet. Our message is one of new life in Christ, a changed life today and a future life to come.  Our message is one of love and grace not condemnation and fear.  The goodness of God brings people to repentance and new life.  What have we ever done for God that is so good that we deserve a reward for it?  Rather see that God has everything that we need for us and for others.  Life will change when we approach it with this confidence and grace for others.  Be the ambassadors for our God that He has called us to be!

Reflection Questions

How do you meditate on God’s Word?  What can you do to improve?

Who has God sent you to to represent Him?

How can we see this role bigger in our lives?

Prayer

Father God, be with us today as we come to You thanking You for your grace and love.  We are overwhelmed by Your love for us in Christ.  Help us to become the people that You have given us the opportunity to be.  Be with us as we speak Your Word to a fallen world around us.  We thank you in the wonderful name of Jesus Christ our lord and Messiah.

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Who Speaks For Your God?

2 Kings 5-6       

Psalm 65            

2 Corinthians 4

-Devotion by Tom Siderius (MI)

The records of scripture we are reading today include the story of Naaman and his leprosy.  This record is familiar to many, but never loses relevance for us as we read.  The Word of God is sharper than a two-edged sword and is able to separate the physical world we live in from the spiritual truth that surrounds this world.  

What is important to you?  Then what is important to God?

2 Kings 5:1-8(NLT) The king of Aram had great admiration for Naaman, the commander of his army, because through him the LORD had given Aram great victories. But though Naaman was a mighty warrior, he suffered from leprosy. 2 At this time Aramean raiders had invaded the land of Israel, and among their captives was a young girl who had been given to Naaman’s wife as a maid. 3 One day the girl said to her mistress, “I wish my master would go to see the prophet in Samaria. He would heal him of his leprosy.” 4 So Naaman told the king what the young girl from Israel had said. 5 “Go and visit the prophet,” the king of Aram told him. “I will send a letter of introduction for you to take to the king of Israel.” So Naaman started out, carrying as gifts 750 pounds of silver, 150 pounds of gold, and ten sets of clothing. 6 The letter to the king of Israel said: “With this letter I present my servant Naaman. I want you to heal him of his leprosy.” 7 When the king of Israel read the letter, he tore his clothes in dismay and said, “Am I God, that I can give life and take it away? Why is this man asking me to heal someone with leprosy? I can see that he’s just trying to pick a fight with me.” 8 But when Elisha, the man of God, heard that the king of Israel had torn his clothes in dismay, he sent this message to him: “Why are you so upset? Send Naaman to me, and he will learn that there is a true prophet here in Israel.”

A prophet is one who speaks for God.  He or she speaks out the truths that God shows them to say to the people in that moment of time and place.  These truths are seldom predictions of the future, which is the popular viewpoint of many.  But rather most of prophecy is speaking the firmly established truths of the Word of God applied at the right place, right time.  

There are also many people that think that there are no more prophets today.  This is a reaction I think to the claims of religions such as Mormonism or Islam, for example, that base their authority on the speaking of a self-proclaimed prophet.  It is easier to just say that there are no prophets today after the 1st century of the church then to see that there were many false prophets then and many false prophets now.  

It is not for the prophet’s own power or position that words of knowledge and wisdom are given to the prophet, but for the building up of the body of Christ.  The words spoken by representatives of God in a true relationship with our Father God will be the words that are rightly spoken.  This will be in a way that builds confidence in God and Christ, not tearing people down from condemnation. There may be a firm correction given by the prophet to the people but it will build up, not tear down.

Proverbs 25:11(NKJV) A word fitly spoken is like apples of gold In settings of silver.

2 Kings 5 :9-15(NLT) So Naaman went with his horses and chariots and waited at the door of Elisha’s house. 10 But Elisha sent a messenger out to him with this message: “Go and wash yourself seven times in the Jordan River. Then your skin will be restored, and you will be healed of your leprosy.” 11 But Naaman became angry and stalked away. “I thought he would certainly come out to meet me!” he said. “I expected him to wave his hand over the leprosy and call on the name of the LORD his God and heal me! 12 Aren’t the rivers of Damascus, the Abana and the Pharpar, better than any of the rivers of Israel? Why shouldn’t I wash in them and be healed?” So Naaman turned and went away in a rage. 13 But his officers tried to reason with him and said, “Sir, if the prophet had told you to do something very difficult, wouldn’t you have done it? So you should certainly obey him when he says simply, ‘Go and wash and be cured!’” 14 So Naaman went down to the Jordan River and dipped himself seven times, as the man of God had instructed him. And his skin became as healthy as the skin of a young child, and he was healed! 15 Then Naaman and his entire party went back to find the man of God. They stood before him, and Naaman said, “Now I know that there is no God in all the world except in Israel. 

The words of a true prophet are established to be true and faithful to our God.  God gives us the words of truth and when we speak on His behalf to the powers of this world God will give those words the power to do His good and intent.  We are not responsible for the content of God’s Word, but we are responsible for the telling of it to others.  God’s message, our speech.

2 Corinthians 4:1-2(NLT) Therefore, since God in his mercy has given us this new way, we never give up. 2 We reject all shameful deeds and underhanded methods. We don’t try to trick anyone or distort the word of God. We tell the truth before God, and all who are honest know this. 3 If the Good News we preach is hidden behind a veil, it is hidden only from people who are perishing. 4 Satan, who is the god of this world, has blinded the minds of those who don’t believe. They are unable to see the glorious light of the Good News. They don’t understand this message about the glory of Christ, who is the exact likeness of God.

What are the truths that God has given you to speak and reveal to others?

When you speak for God are you fulfilling the ministry of a prophet? (Hmmm…)

2 Corinthians 4:5-7(NLT) You see, we don’t go around preaching about ourselves. We preach that Jesus Christ is Lord, and we ourselves are your servants for Jesus’ sake. 6 For God, who said, “Let there be light in the darkness,” has made this light shine in our hearts so we could know the glory of God that is seen in the face of Jesus Christ. 7 We now have this light shining in our hearts, but we ourselves are like fragile clay jars containing this great treasure. This makes it clear that our great power is from God, not from ourselves.

Whose power are you empowered with today?  

What is the light (knowledge) that you can shine into the darkness of this world?

Why did God choose you?

Our message is not about ourselves but about the God who has saved us.  What is the purpose of the saving grace of God for your life if not to serve Him and speak for Him?  It isn’t religious rules and statues that God calls us to speak but the message of that saving grace of God which you have received. 

2 Corinthians 4:13-18(NLT) But we continue to preach because we have the same kind of faith the psalmist had when he said, “I believed in God, so I spoke.” 14 We know that God, who raised the Lord Jesus, will also raise us with Jesus and present us to himself together with you. 15 All of this is for your benefit. And as God’s grace reaches more and more people, there will be great thanksgiving, and God will receive more and more glory…..18 So we don’t look at the troubles we can see now; rather, we fix our gaze on things that cannot be seen. For the things we see now will soon be gone, but the things we cannot see will last forever

Fix your eyes upon Jesus, look full into his wonderful face, and the things of earth will grow strangely dim….

Reflect On Questions above in bold font.

Prayer

Father God, we pray to You today to empower our lives with Your Word and wisdom.  The power that we have is from You alone, and we can only speak truth with Your words.  Give us the confidence to speak for You, and Your love to see others as You do.  Thank you in the name of Jesus Christ for all Your care and help in our time of need.  

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What Can I Do to Help You?

2 Kings 3-4         

Psalm  64          

2 Corinthians 3

-devotion by Tom Siderius (MI)

Today we start a week with so many inspiring scriptures to read and meditate on.  The first section today is from 2 Kings 4 where the familiar  story of Elisha and the olive oil is recorded.  Elisha is speaking for God and asks the widow “What can I do to help you?”  The theme of the week of readings is our God who is always asking us that question.  The Good News is that God is also willing and powerful to help us in every way if we put our trust and faith in Him.  What He has done for us is to redeem us, sanctify us, reconcile us, and give meaning and purpose to our walk with Him in our lives.  Reading from our section of Kings today:

2 Kings 4:2-7(NLT) “What can I do to help you?” Elisha asked.

 “Tell me, what do you have in the house?”“Nothing at all, except a flask of olive oil,” she replied.
3 And Elisha said, “Borrow as many empty jars as you can from your friends and neighbors. 4 Then go into your house with your sons and shut the door behind you. Pour olive oil from your flask into the jars, setting each one aside when it is filled.”
5 So she did as she was told. Her sons kept bringing jars to her, and she filled one after another. 6 Soon every container was full to the brim!
“Bring me another jar,” she said to one of her sons.
“There aren’t any more!” he told her. And then the olive oil stopped flowing.
7 When she told the man of God what had happened, he said to her, “Now sell the olive oil and pay your debts, and you and your sons can live on what is left over.”

If you combine Basil, Parmesan, Pinenuts and Olive Oil you get Pesto. What do you get when you mix Olive Oil, Spinach and Sweet Peas?  You get the cartoon classic Popeye.

Oh well it was a good try.  But you know why Our God is so strong?  He is strong to the finish!! (famous quote).

The story of Elisha and his walk with twice the spiritual power of Elijah is such an important record for us to read and appreciate.  All through these chapters of Kings we see God giving people the things that are needed, continually rewarding faithful followers with what is important in their lives. Elisha walks and talks with God daily and has the voice of God in his spiritual ear all the time.  

Can we hear words of knowledge and wisdom from God today like Elisha did?

If we believe that this is true, why do we doubt God’s presence so often? 

2 Kings 4:13-17(NLT) Elisha said to Gehazi, “Tell her, ‘We appreciate the kind concern you have shown us. What can we do for you? Can we put in a good word for you to the king or to the commander of the army?’”“No,” she replied, “my family takes good care of me.”14 Later Elisha asked Gehazi, “What can we do for her?”Gehazi replied, “She doesn’t have a son, and her husband is an old man.”15 “Call her back again,” Elisha told him. When the woman returned, Elisha said to her as she stood in the doorway, 16 “Next year at this time you will be holding a son in your arms!”“No, my lord!” she cried. “O man of God, don’t deceive me and get my hopes up like that.”17 But sure enough, the woman soon became pregnant. And at that time the following year she had a son, just as Elisha had said.

Once again, the question “what can God do for her?”  And then we read how Elisha raises the child from the dead in a most thrilling story of deliverance.  Wow!

How do we change our perspective to “what can we do for others?” in our walks?

How do you think that would affect our lives and ministries?

Now let’s look at what Paul writes in 2 Corinthians where he is working to help their church to become united, strong, and productive.  They were divided in their church body, and were accepting and promoting wrong teaching in many areas of Christian living and worship.  The books of 1-2 Corinthians are reproof and correction to help them (and us) to get back to the correct path of righteous living, believing and actions.

2 Corinthians 3:1-6(NLT)  Are we beginning to praise ourselves again? Are we like others, who need to bring you letters of recommendation, or who ask you to write such letters on their behalf? Surely not! 2 The only letter of recommendation we need is you yourselves. Your lives are a letter written in our hearts; everyone can read it and recognize our good work among you. 3 Clearly, you are a letter from Christ showing the result of our ministry among you. This “letter” is written not with pen and ink, but with the Spirit of the living God. It is carved not on tablets of stone, but on human hearts.
4 We are confident of all this because of our great trust in God through Christ. 5 It is not that we think we are qualified to do anything on our own. Our qualification comes from God. 6 He has enabled us to be ministers of his new covenant. This is a covenant not of written laws, but of the Spirit. The old written covenant ends in death; but under the new covenant, the Spirit gives life.

Paul is the apostle to the Gentiles who should be the most exalted and powerful leader of the early church, especially amongst the Gentiles.  Instead, he comes to the Corinthians showing them that the attitude of leadership and service in the church body is one of true humility and deliverance.  All leadership is based on trust in God and Jesus Christ.  He is the example of what true humility is, for Christian living and leadership for them and for us.

2 Corinthians 3:12-18(NLT) Since this new way gives us such confidence, we can be very bold. 13 We are not like Moses, who put a veil over his face so the people of Israel would not see the glory, even though it was destined to fade away. 14 But the people’s minds were hardened, and to this day whenever the old covenant is being read, the same veil covers their minds so they cannot understand the truth. And this veil can be removed only by believing in Christ. 15 Yes, even today when they read Moses’ writings, their hearts are covered with that veil, and they do not understand.
16 But whenever someone turns to the Lord, the veil is taken away. 17 For the Lord is the Spirit, and wherever the Spirit of the Lord is, there is freedom. 18 So all of us who have had that veil removed can see and reflect the glory of the Lord. And the Lord—who is the Spirit—makes us more and more like him as we are changed into his glorious image.

The more that we read, study and meditate on the Word, and follow the examples of Christ and all the leaders that are recorded in the Bible, the more we will become like Christ.  The walk of fellowship with the Father and His Son will be reflected in our faces and from our lives.  I am sure that you have seen this from believers that you fellowship with.  

REflection Questions:

Why is the veil of uncertainty done away with when we follow Christ?

What can we do daily to improve our walks of believing in spiritual power?

PRAYER:

Father God, we look to You today and are thankful for all that you do in every way in our lives.  You have saved us, built us up and sustained us through the challenges of life.  Father, we look to you to talk to us and give us the confidence to do what You ask us to do.  We are weak in ourselves but strong with Christ in us.  Thank you for being part of all we do.  Give us your help today.  In Jesus’ name we pray.

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Mystery Revealed

2 Kings 1-2       

Psalm 64            

2 Corinthians 2

-devotion by Tom Siderius (MI)

Paul had the standing and education to be a powerful teacher and preacher as he traveled Asia Minor in the first century.  It is so striking to see how Paul goes right to the most important part of our message to others.  It is that proclamation that Jesus Christ was crucified, buried, dead for 3 days and was then raised again from the dead.  There were over 500 witnesses that saw him in his resurrected body and could tell the story from firsthand knowledge.  Paul proclaimed to them this truth knowing that if people do not believe and accept this truth, then all the other convincing arguments that can be made for Christianity are not going anywhere.   Read 1 Corinthians 2 with us today and see how Paul approaches the people in Corinth.

1 Corinthians 2:1-5(NLT) When I first came to you, dear brothers and sisters, I didn’t use lofty words and impressive wisdom to tell you God’s secret plan. 2 For I decided that while I was with you I would forget everything except Jesus Christ, the one who was crucified. 3 I came to you in weakness—timid and trembling. 4 And my message and my preaching were very plain. Rather than using clever and persuasive speeches, I relied only on the power of the Holy Spirit. 5 I did this so you would trust not in human wisdom but in the power of God.

Our witness to the proclamation of Christ that he is risen from the dead is the central theme of our faith.  Read this story about the simple witness of a shoe salesman named Edward Kimble.

From: X Harvest (https://harvest.org/resources/devotion/the-impact-of-one/)

When it comes to contemporary heroes of the Christian faith, we are familiar with names like Billy Graham. But what about Edward Kimble or Mordecai Ham?

Edward Kimble was a shoe salesman who worked alongside a guy named Dwight. Edward shared the gospel with Dwight, and Dwight accepted Christ. It was 1858, and Dwight’s last name was Moody. We know him as D. L. Moody, who was one of the greatest evangelists in history.

Years later when Moody was preaching, a pastor named Frederick D. Meyer was deeply stirred, and as a result, he went into his own nationwide preaching ministry. On one occasion when Meyer was preaching, a college student named J. Wilbur Chapman heard him and accepted Christ. He went out and began to share the gospel, and he employed a young baseball player named Billy Sunday. Billy Sunday ended up being the greatest evangelist of his generation.

When Billy Sunday preached the gospel in Charlotte, North Carolina, it was such a great meeting that he was invited back. But when he couldn’t be there, Sunday recommended a preacher named Mordecai Ham. Ham went to Charlotte and preached, but not many people responded to his invitation to accept Christ. But on one of the last nights, a tall, lanky boy who worked on the local dairy farm walked forward. Everyone knew him as Billy Frank, and we know him today as Billy Graham.

So Edward Kimble reached D. L. Moody, who touched Frederick Meyer, who reached Wilbur Chapman, who helped Billy Sunday, who reached businessmen in Charlotte, who invited Mordecai Ham, who ultimately reached Billy Graham. And it all began with the simple witness of Edward Kimble.

Every one of us can make a difference for the kingdom of God. What is He calling you to do?

Billy Graham preached and evangelized to over 200 million people across the world during his life. We may not completely agree with the message he taught or the follow up that was lacking, but the power of God is evident in the chain of witness that faithful believers presented.

1 Corinthians 2:6-10(NLT) Yet when I am among mature believers, I do speak with words of wisdom, but not the kind of wisdom that belongs to this world or to the rulers of this world, who are soon forgotten. 7 No, the wisdom we speak of is the mystery of God—his plan that was previously hidden, even though he made it for our ultimate glory before the world began. 8 But the rulers of this world have not understood it; if they had, they would not have crucified our glorious Lord. 9 That is what the Scriptures mean when they say,
“No eye has seen, no ear has heard,
and no mind has imagined
what God has prepared
for those who love him.”
10 But it was to us that God revealed these things by his Spirit. For his Spirit searches out everything and shows us God’s deep secrets

The mystery revealed to us is the hidden decision by God to open the whole world of both Jew and Gentile to become one church of the body of Christ.  The hidden decision that God made was that the life of His Son would be able to become the payment for all the sin and sins of the world.  Jesus was faithful to all that God asked him to do, and because of his faithfulness God is able to find him righteous and raise him from the dead.  Death could not hold Christ and God gives him a new resurrected body and then gives him authority over all of creation. God does all this because He judged him righteous.  Paul tells us that if the powers of this world had known God’s plan, they would not have crucified Christ.  The powers of this world would have let him live as he was alone as the Son of God, but now there are millions of children of God all who are witnesses of the plan and story of God and Christ.

When we accept the sacrifice of Christ for us, we become new creations in the pattern of Christ.  We get a new heart and the way to become a child of God.  The gift of holy spirit that we have received in Christ gives us a mind that will see and understand the God-story, the gospel plan that God has made for us and all the creation. 

1 Corinthians 2:12-13(NLT) And we have received God’s Spirit (not the world’s spirit), so we can know the wonderful things God has freely given us.
13 When we tell you these things, we do not use words that come from human wisdom. Instead, we speak words given to us by the Spirit, using the Spirit’s words to explain spiritual truths.

The wisdom that we have is knowledge that can change our minds and hearts.  It’s not the wisdom of philosophy and man’s knowledge, but spiritual words revealed to spiritual minds.  It even is considered to be foolishness by the academia of this world. We hear with our minds those thoughts and understandings that come from God and are revealed to us in His Word.  Every time I spend time with Him and His Word more of His truth becomes real to me.  The knowledge of God is inexhaustible and infinite because He is infinite.  Our minds can approach the understanding of His Word, but it is a lifetime journey of faith which continues to expand before us. This mystery of godliness is revealed to us today and it is the story that we must tell others.  Paul does this with the Corinthians, and it is the pattern for us to follow in our own ministries. 

Reflection Questions

What is the witness that changed your life to come to God?

What witness can you give today to others that will give them this new life also?

How can we keep our faith and walk of believing simple and pure in purpose?

Prayer

Our Father in heaven, we pray this day for understanding hearts and minds.  Thank you for Your great love that gave us Christ.  Help us to meditate on Your Word both day and night.   Give us this day the boldness to speak Your Word to this fallen world, telling this story of grace and truth.  God, we praise You for all Your works and love.  Praying this day in the name of Your Son Jesus Christ.

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