Tuesday, August 23, 2011

Psalm 111.1-3, 9-10, 1 Kings 3.1-15, 2 Corinthians 1.1-22 - Lectionary for 8/23/11

Today's readings are Psalm 111.1-3, 9-10, 1 Kings 3.1-15, and 2 Corinthians 1.1-22.

"You can't understand what I'm going through! I don't know that Jesus can either!" Did you ever hear this? Or maybe you've thought it, especially when a well-meaning friend has given you yet another platitude. What does the apostle Paul confess in 2 Corinthians 1.4-5? He affirms that even though some details may differ, our Lord and his servants are familiar with grief and suffering. There is no affliction, no suffering which God in Christ has not dealt with.

What are the boundaries of Jesus' affliction? Has he not been accused falsely? Has he not endured loss? Has he not faced death, and that a death which he didn't deserve? How much more can he bring comfort in the hope of eternal life to those who trust in him?

This may not make our life easy. But in Jesus we can know that we are not alone. He has gone ahead of us in all things. And he will never forsake us. Thanks be to God.

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