Paul calls to mind the sacrificial gift of the Christians of Macedonia as he encourages the Corinthian Christians to generosity. It may interest you to know that the people of Macedonia (Philippi, Thessalonia and Berea) had a long history of rivalry with their neighbors in Corinth. They had warred with each other for generations and competed economically. Now Paul pushes this old competition to service in the Kingdom. Interesting isn't it?
Paul encourages the Corinthian Christians to complete the generous gift they began to gather under Titus' leadership that "As it is written, 'The one who had much did not have too much, and the one who had little did not have too little.'" 2 Cor. 8:15 NRSV. I wonder how we live this call out today. I know we support social action locally and around the globe, but when is the last time you actually went to be of service and did not just send a check? It is my opinion that this kind of missionary service will change us all, and our church will never fulfill its call unless we get out of the buildings and into the world - the WHOLE world.
Paul send representatives as a team to help Titus in the task. I read and checked sources for who these "brothers" are,but found only speculation. The most frequently used names were Luke, Barnabas, Aristarchus and Apollos. I had guessed Apollos as the one "famous among all the churches for his proclaiming the good news;" 2 Cor. 8:18b NRSV. It really doesn't matter who, just that Paul was so determined to get this done well that he deploys a team of his best leaders.
Are you willing to go as an ambassador for Christ? Are you willing to step out and witness to others about all that God has done for you in Christ Jesus? Perhaps you will travel to our local Nursing home, or to Utica Neighborhood Center 30 miles away. maybe God will send you to Kentucky or New Orleans to work in flood relief. maybe to Guatemala or to Uganda, I don't know where the call may take you. Will you go for our savior and reach out to those who are desperately in need of salvation and help? Speak to me, or write to me here. I am anxious to step deeper into service with you!
About Me
- Pastor Bill
- I am a committed follower of Jesus Christ, a happy husband, father and grandfather!
1 comment:
I like too how Paul is so cajoling in this text, persuading them to generosity they may not, at least at first, really feel.
I wonder if we are good at gauging if the abundance we have it just what we need or really more than we need. I think it is so easy to look at those who have more and think that we don't have enough, or at least that we don't have too much. But our abundance is really overwhelming..
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