The text this week is 2 Corinthians 5:11-6:11.
In this passage, Paul continues his argument for why the church in Corinth should accept him and his ministry. The bulk of his argument in this section centers around the fact that it is God's reconciliation with us that makes it possible for us to reconcile with others.
There are several verses that stand out to me:
After discussing the meaning of the death and resurrection of Christ, Paul writes in v. 5:16 - 17: "From now on, therefore, we regard no one from a human point of view ... So if anyone is in Christ he is a new creation: everything old has passed away; see, everything has become new!"
v. 5:20 - 21: "So, we are ambassadors for Christ, since God is making his appeal through us; we entreat you on behalf of Christ, be reconciled to God. For our sake he made him to be sin who knew no sin, so that in him we might become the righteousness of God."
v. 6:1: "As we work together with him, we urge you also not to accept the grace of God in vain."
The image for the sermon this week is paving a road. When paving a road, most of the work comes before actually laying down the asphalt. The same is true with reconciliation. Paul realizes that even though reconciling human relationships is important, the most important part of reconciliation is preparing that foundation with God. It is because of the work Christ did, that we can be reconciled to God, and reconciled to one another.
Questions for the week:
What does it mean to be an "ambassador for Christ"? How can we do this in our everyday lives?
Why is it important to understand our reconciliation with God, before we can be reconciled with others?
Where have you seen reconciliation in your own life? (Reconciliation with God? Reconciliation with others?)
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Before the road's base layer (foundation) can be laid, the route must be surveyed and marked out: make straight the Way of the Lord.
To me, an amabassador is a representative and a messenger. We are the only Christ many will see. Made in God's image, how well do we reflect His nature? Gathered as Christ's body, how well do we use our hands to bless and serve? We are prophets of His Word; evangelizing the Good News of Kingdom come. Through us, is His will done?
We do not deserve to be forgiven but in His mercy, forgiveness and reconciliation are given in grace. A gift must be accepted however for the transaction to be complete.
Forgive us our sins as we forgive those who sin against us; yet we are taught to forgive, but not to forget! How can a wound heal if the scab is always picked at and reopened? (2Cor.5:17)
From GuidetoPsychology.com: reconciliation = forgiveness + penance; where forgiveness = the refusal to hurt the one who hurt you, and where penance = confession + repentance + acceptance of the punishment.
The greatest example I've seen is described by Jennifer Thompson-Cannino and Ronald Cotton in their book "Picking Cotton" (pickingcottonbook.com)describing the friendship between a man wrongfully imprisoned years for rape and the woman who accused him.
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