Not just talk
Day 585, Thursday, Mar. 19
1 Corinthians 4:8-21
Two things are revealed in today’s reading: Paul can get angry, and he can be sharply sarcastic.
Reading a letter like 1 Corinthians that is part of an exchange of letters can be challenging, like hearing only one side of a telephone conversation. Sometimes it’s pretty easy to understand what’s going on, but other times we have to make some guesses about the other side of the conversation to try to understand what Paul says.
From verses 8-13 we surmise that some people in the church at Corinth believe they have grown and matured beyond what Paul has attained, or that they have teachers who are superior to Paul. He responds bitterly.
He warns the arrogant among them that he will be returning, and he can return in a spirit of love or in a spirit of discipline. He said, “then I will find out not only how these arrogant people are talking, but what power they have. For the kingdom of God is not a matter of talk but of power. What do you prefer? Shall I come to you with a rod of discipline, or shall I come in love and with a gentle spirit?”
-Rev. Mark Fleming
Thursday meditation
Psalms 99:1-9
The Lord reigns, let the nations tremble; he sits enthroned between the cherubim, let the earth shake. Great is the Lord in Zion; he is exalted over all the nations. Let them praise your great and awesome name—he is holy.
The King is mighty, he loves justice—you have established equity; in Jacob you have done what is just and right. Exalt the Lord our God and worship at his footstool; he is holy.
Moses and Aaron were among his priests, Samuel was among those who called on his name; they called on the Lord and he answered them. He spoke to them from the pillar of cloud; they kept his statutes and the decrees he gave them.
Lord our God, you answered them; you were to Israel a forgiving God, though you punished their misdeeds. Exalt the Lord our God and worship at his holy mountain, for the Lord our God is holy.
Prayer focus
Give us a spirit of humility, Lord. Let us listen to learn of you and not become puffed up with pride.