eternal life – Page 6

1 Corinthians 15:20-28 – You Belong, You Rise

There are some challenging concepts going on in this reading, do you agree? But I love when God challenges me to listen. It’s easy when we find ourselves reading through familiar passages that we almost skim over them. This passage is not one of those we can (or should) skim over.

We’re talking our future here. We’re talking about God’s majesty over everything. That’s a lot for 9 verses! I’m finding this passage especially comforting in light of all the chaos going on around the world. Doesn’t it give you some peace to know God’s got it all under control?

1 Corinthians 9:24-27 – Discipline of Faith

Read 1 Corinthians 9:24-27

Have you ever been an athlete training for a big game or sporting event? It wasn’t until I was in my fifties that I really understood the intense discipline it takes athletes to prepare. I thought being a kickboxing instructor had been the epitome of my athleticism until my husband and I found a karate dojo in our new town. We began training for our black belt certification, and I’ll never forget the grueling four-hour test of my strength, will, and endurance.

Paul’s talk of running a race and being disciplined in training brought all those memories back for me. It’s also helpful to note that Paul’s original audience would have been very familiar with a sporting event, much like the Olympics, which was held every two years in Corinth called the Isthmian Games. Paul’s words would have been very powerful because of this association.

2 Kings 9:30-37 – Jezebel’s Demise

Read 2 Kings 9:30-37

Jezebel had to be the vilest woman in the Bible. Her husband, King Ahab, was also evil, but he met his demise years earlier. Jezebel was the daughter of a foreign king who made it her life mission to have all of Israel worshipping her god, Baal.

Jezebel’s life is an interesting story of how a pagan queen became the villain of God’s people. One might applaud her for her commitment; however, it was hugely misguided. Imagine if she had been that determined to bring the people to repentance and to then follow the LORD! She had the financial means as well as the royal authority to get attention.

2 Corinthians 4-5 Now and Then

Read 2 Corinthians 4-5

Stack of newspapers with headlines "extra! extra! read all about it! Good News

Exactly! That was a lot, but there was so much good stuff in our reading today! [Alert: longer devotion than normal!] I’ll reflect a bit on three different things, questions actually, that spoke to me: where we are now, what we can look forward to, and what we can do in the meantime? That pretty much covers the gamut of our journey of “Seeking the Kingdom of God.”

Do you ever feel fragile? It’s an interesting discussion Paul has here as he reminds us of the great message we all hold. Sometimes we feel inadequate to even speak about it. God’s word contains so many life-changing opportunities for people to experience. I heard tell today of some women who are reading through the Bible for the first time ever. “Everybody needs to know about this!” One of them exclaimed.

John 3:1-21 Come to the Light

Read John 3:1-21

What a grand passage to kick off our theme, “Salvation, Forgiveness, and New Life.” I’ve always liked Nicodemus and how he was seeking truth. He went right to the source, Jesus. Seeking Jesus would not have been a popular choice for someone in his position, so he had to hide in the darkness of night.

Oh to have been a witness to such a conversation! Nicodemus must have had some great questions when approached Jesus with the openness to learn. He recognized that God was with Jesus, but did he recognize him as God’s son? I’m sure we only are given a small glimpse into that life changing conversation.