READING:
One-year plan: Proverbs 19:1-22:16, 2 Corinthians 11
Two-year plan: 2 Samuel 19, John 1:19-28
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Paul was not the pastor for the Corinthians, but he was a primary agent in the founding of their church. He viewed them as his beloved children (1 Cor 4:14-15), the spiritual offspring of his missionary ministry. Now, they faced the reality of false apostles in their midst – enemies of the church whose presence forced Paul to defend his own apostleship. He didn’t want to defend his pedigree, but he felt it important to do so to keep them focused on the truth he proclaimed. Moreover, he so deeply loved them that he was willing to do what he must to keep them on track; indeed, he loved them with a love that comes from God alone: “For I am jealous for you with a godly jealousy, because I have promised you in marriage to one husband—to present a pure virgin to Christ” (2 Cor. 11:2).
That’s the heart of a Christian leader whose heart is connected with the heart of a congregation. They may drive him crazy some days, but he will fight for them. Their faith may be weak, but he will stand in prayer for them and challenge them to believe. They may be susceptible to false teaching, but that doesn’t make him give up on them – it makes him intercede more on their behalf. He, like God, doesn’t turn away from his spiritual children even when they might turn away from him.
PERSONAL REFLECTION: Do you truly love the people of God?
DAILY PRAYER: “Father, thank You for Your bride.”
TOMORROW’S READINGS:
One-year plan: Proverbs 22:17-24:34, 2 Corinthians 12-13
Two-year plan: 2 Samuel 20-21, John 1:29-42
*first published in 2017