Living in the Spirit
June 7, 2018
Scripture Reading: 2 Corinthians 4:13-5:1
But just as we have the same spirit of faith that is in accordance with scripture—‘I believed, and so I spoke’—we also believe, and so we speak, because we know that the one who raised the Lord Jesus will raise us also with Jesus, and will bring us with you into his presence. Yes, everything is for your sake, so that grace, as it extends to more and more people, may increase thanksgiving, to the glory of God. –2 Corinthians 4:13-15
Luke’s report of Jesus triumphant entry into Jerusalem includes a story of some Pharisees asking Jesus to order his followers to stop celebrating his arrival to which Jesus replied, ‘if these were silent, the stones would shout out’. (Luke 19:40) Jesus’ message of love to the world cannot be quieted even if we do not say a word. But how much better would the world be if we followed Jesus’ lead and spoke out about injustice and about his way of being that results in the well-being of all God’s children?
Paul spoke because he knew that the one who raised the Lord Jesus will raise us also with Jesus. Our faith is grounded in the faithfulness of God. While we humans may waver in our beliefs, fight doubt, and question ourselves, God’s faithfulness to us is rock solid.
“Great is Thy faithfulness,” O God my Father,
There is no shadow of turning with Thee;
Thou changest not, Thy compassions, they fail not
As Thou hast been Thou forever wilt be.
“Great is Thy faithfulness!” “Great is Thy faithfulness!”
Morning by morning new mercies I see;
All I have needed Thy hand hath provided—
“Great is Thy faithfulness,” Lord, unto me!*
Prayer: Lord, enable us to speak out against injustice as we work to share your love throughout the earth. Amen.
*First verse and chorus of Great is Thy Faithfulness by Thomas Obediah Chisholm. See at https://www.hymnal.net/en/hymn/h/19