We are going to finish up our trip through the Bible for a while after this next lesson on 2 Corinthians. In case you weren't there, the class decided that we would like to have more time to dive into the Scripture -- one book per week (and in some cases as many as three!) was just too fast to capture all the lessons we have to learn.
The chapters in 2 Corinthians are short, so today read chapters 1-3.
Today's devotion -- 2Corinthian 3:1-3
1Are we beginning to commend ourselves again? Or do we need, like some people, letters of recommendation to you or from you? 2You yourselves are our letter, written on our hearts, known and read by everybody. 3You show that you are a letter from Christ, the result of our ministry, written not with ink but with the Spirit of the living God, not on tablets of stone but on tablets of human hearts. (NIV)
taken from www.biblegateway.com
The first three chapters of 2 Corinthians have some fun analogies. Did you find a parade? A new perfume? An escrow deposit?
In today's text, Paul addresses apparent doubts about his authority and dedication. Instead of letters of reference, he relies on the changed lives of those he ministers to.
If we take that same reference forward to current times, each of us is actually a referral for those who have shown us the truth of the Gospel -- everyone who had had a hand in the development of our faith since we first heard of God!
So what is your letter of reference saying today?
Junk mail -- tired and crabby from too much weekend and not very full of joy?
Unwanted bill -- letting others know how they must work harder to meet expectations?
Form letter -- a cookie-cutter Christian who shows a slick brochure to the world but who hides his or her 'real' life in the small print?
Handwritten card -- delivering the encouragement of God's love in a personal way to each individual?
What will those you meet today think about they type of mail you are delivering?
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