2 Corinthians 10
by Philip Layton
Paul defends his ministry
Click here to read 2 Corinthians 10
Discussion Question
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Have you ever stopped and taken time to seriously think about the Lord’s commendation for you (v 18)?
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Going Deeper From 'Words of Life'
God’s creatures were made with certain natural instincts. A bird flies thousands of miles over unfamiliar terrain to avoid winter’s cold. A salmon swims vast distances to return to its place of birth. A hunting dog tracks and retrieves its prey, never having been taught these skills. God-given aptitudes.
Just as there are natural instincts which God has placed within us for our physical well-being – getting up when we fall, or turning back when on the wrong road – there are natural ‘spiritual instincts’ to guard our spiritual health. They should cause us to ask: ‘What’s happening here?’ A warning light, alerting us to a problem.
Judah was ignoring all warning signals, refusing to follow any natural spiritual instincts. As a result, there was no ‘balm in Gilead’ for them (Jeremiah 8:22).
When mercy has run its course, divine judgement is in the wings. Jeremiah, looking at his wayward nation, cries out:
‘I wish that my eyes were fountains of tears, so I could cry day and night for my people’ (Jeremiah 9:1 CEV).
Fountains of tears; deep grief for his people – God’s chosen ones. Maybe they thought their privileged position would ensure their immunity from God’s wrath. How wrong they were! Their homeland would soon be reduced to a pile of rubble.
Do we shed fountains of tears for our cities and communities? Does sin and rebellion break our heart? The Lord tells Jeremiah he wants his people back; to know he is a God who is kind, just and full of mercy. Will they listen, desiring to worship him again?
‘If you feel you must brag, then have enough sense to brag about worshipping me, the Lord. What I like best is showing kindness, justice, and mercy to everyone on earth’ (v 24 CEV).
Beverly Ivany
Tags: 2 Corinthians