Be Still… – Relevant Reflections to Let God's Word Back Into Your Hands and Heart

2 Corinthians 1:1-2:4 – Be Comforted

Paul’s second letter was sent about a year after his first, according to notes in my study Bible. Those may have actually been his 2^nd and 4^th letters. Apparently, there were two other letters written to this congregation that did not make it into our Holy Scriptures. The second letter recorded in the Bible is believed to be the 4^th and final letter Paul wrote to the church in Corinth. Having that background is helpful to understand the timing and references made. Paul had quite a relationship with this Greek congregation.

Paul is quick to offer words of comfort, pointing to our great comforter. In Paul’s words, “God is our merciful Father and the source of all comfort.” When we go through challenging times in our lives, it is always helpful to imagine we are not alone, with all the comfort God showers on us. For people who don’t have a relationship with God, they don’t understand the peace and hope that accompany that comfort. Sometimes when we’re in the thick of our messiness, we can lose sight of the great comforter holding us together. Continue reading “2 Corinthians 1:1-2:4 – Be Comforted”

Acts 20:1-16 – Don’t Stop Now!

Read Acts 20:1-16

We meet up with Paul here right after the riots in Ephesus. Paul had made quite a stir within the community, talking about Jesus and denouncing all the false gods that had brought a livelihood for so many. Because of his faith and unpopular message with some, Paul was not a popular person. Do you ever feel like you’re an outcast because you speak the name of Jesus?

In this reading, we see that Paul didn’t skip a beat. He didn’t let the noise of the crowd deter him from his mission. He had told the Corinthians in his first letter that he’d be leaving Ephesus after Pentecost and heading to Macedonia. Paul’s travel plans had changed a bit as he now wanted to be in Jerusalem by Pentecost. No matter what, Paul continued to encourage people along the way. We can learn a lot from Paul’s determination. Continue reading “Acts 20:1-16 – Don’t Stop Now!”

1 Corinthians 16:1-24 – Action Steps

Read 1 Corinthians 16:1-24

Paul closes his first letter to the Corinthians by setting out his plans for a visit. Don’t we often do the same when we communicate with loved ones far away about planning to visit? Today it might look a little different, like a quick text or a voicemail alerting folks to an upcoming visit. As missionaries, we look forward to those yearly quick trips to see family and friends back in the States.

Even more importantly, Paul talks about the giving of gifts back to the ministry in Jerusalem. Paul is describing a type of tithe to the founding church along with a good plan for budgeting the gift. We might do the same today with a spreadsheet, setting a certain portion aside from our wages so that we can tithe to the local church and give generously to other ministries. It’s always best to set aside the money intentionally so it doesn’t get spent by mistake. Continue reading “1 Corinthians 16:1-24 – Action Steps”

1 Corinthians 15:35-58 – What Will We Look Like in Heaven?

Read 1 Corinthians 15:35-58

People have always wondered what happens after we die. Paul is clear here that we will have new bodies. He’ll talk about that even more in his next letter to the Corinthians. Paul’s analogy was helpful, imagining the transformation of a seed into a flowering plant. The seed’s transformation is unexpected and beautiful, hard to imagine when looking only at the tiny seed. Likewise, how glorious our new bodies will be, free from sickness, disease, worry, and stress.

For those wondering about whether our pets go to heaven, verse 39 may shed some light on that. “Similarly there are different kinds of flesh—one kind for humans, another for animals, another for birds, and another for fish.” If our flesh is “similar” to a buried seed, then perhaps different kinds of flesh shall see their own transformation, animals included. Continue reading “1 Corinthians 15:35-58 – What Will We Look Like in Heaven?”

1 Corinthians 15:1-34 – Our Resurrection

Read 1 Corinthians 15:1-34

This is the second time in 48 hours that I have encountered this same passage from Paul. When something like that happens, I lean in to see what extra-important or timely message is waiting. For me, having just lost my dad a couple of months ago and having this reading come up on the anniversary of my mom’s death over thirty years ago, I am thankful for the promise we will all join Jesus in his resurrection one day.

According to Paul, Jesus was the first to be resurrected, and we will likewise follow. “He is the first of a great harvest of all who have died.” We will not simply be raised from the dead like Lazarus (John 11:17-44) and Jairus’ daughter (Mark 5:35-42). Their lives eventually ended, but Jesus lives forever. When it’s our turn, our resurrection begins our forever lives with Jesus, no more death, no more pain. Continue reading “1 Corinthians 15:1-34 – Our Resurrection”

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