Thursday, October 20, 2022

           Paul continued his dialogue with the Corinthian Christians by writing his second letter to the believers in that part of the Roman Empire.  As he often did, Paul began by connecting his identity to Christ.  “Paul, an apostle of Christ Jesus by the will of God, and Timothy our brother, to the church of God in Corinth, together with all his holy people throughout Achaia” (2 Corinthians 1:1).  He took joy in being an apostle, a brother and a partner with those who belong to Christ as holy and separate people.  It is not often today that we hear people ground their identity in Christ.  People will often identify by name, place of birth, vocation, age or address.  But it is not often that a person leads by saying “I am a follower of Jesus Christ.”  Why not? 
            In 2 Corinthians 1:3-4, Paul spoke about some of the practical gains and joys that we experience from our relationship with the Lord.  We read, “Praise be to the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, the Father of compassion and the God of all comfort, who comforts us in all our troubles, so that we can comfort those in any trouble with the comfort we ourselves receive from God.”  A few joys stand out for us to see that Paul also experienced through His relationship with Christ.
            First, we enjoy a faithful and unfailing Father.  Twice, Paul used the word “Father” when he wrote about God.  Jesus, God’s Son, made it possible for us to know His Father as our Father.  We can come to the Father through the Son and only through the Son.  You may be fatherless today or have grown up fatherless.  But the greatest of all Fathers loves you and calls you to know and enjoy Him now and forever.  As Father, God is both our provider and protector.  He gives us what we need.  Nothing approaches us that evades His watchful eye and hand.  He can protect us when the battles rage around us and exceed our human power to manage them.
            Second, we are assured of God’s compassion or love.  We do not work for it or earn it.  But we rest confidently in the knowledge that God does love us.  And that love does not change contingent upon our age or behavior.  Even when we act sinfully or shamefully, God’s compassion does not recede or fail.  His compassion remains consistent and unwavering.  Human love can often change like shadows change as sunlight moves and changes.  But God’s love does not fade from reality.
            Third, we enjoy His comfort.  In our grief, confusion or anxiousness, the comfort of God remains with us.  Through His Word, prayer, worship or even fellow believers, God delivers His comfort to us—in the right measure and at the right time.  This comfort can be a peace that passes all understanding that Paul addressed in Philippians 4:7. Or this comfort could be an abiding confidence that God will sustain and steady us come what may.
And fourth, this comfort that we experience from God can flow through us to comfort others.  Often, our troubles and the comfort we experience can become occasions where God uses us to comfort others who may be hurting in similar ways. We often serve God by serving and encouraging others who are going through trials or battles from which we may have recently emerged.  Grace can flow from God through us to bless and comfort others.  We often sing “make me a channel of blessing.”  Paul says that is a distinct possibility as God works through His people to confer His blessings to others.  Perhaps God is leading you to be just such a channel for someone else today.  These verses in 2 Corinthians call us to praise God for His Fatherhood, compassion and comfort.  Take confidence in knowing these unchanging gifts from God are yours today and always.  Enjoy this Thursday.  Worship anytime at youtube.com/FirstBaptistKannapolis.