Saturday after Judica (Passion) Sunday
Posted on April 1, 2023 by under
Scripture: 2 Corinthians 5:11-15 (NKJV)
5:11 Knowing, therefore, the terror of the Lord, we persuade men; but we are well known to God, and I also trust are well known in your consciences.
12 For we do not commend ourselves again to you, but give you opportunity to boast on our behalf, that you may have an answer for those who boast in appearance and not in heart. 13 For if we are beside ourselves, it is for God; or if we are of sound mind, it is for you. 14 For the love of Christ compels us, because we judge thus: that if One died for all, then all died; 15 and He died for all, that those who live should live no longer for themselves, but for Him who died for them and rose again.
Devotion
“For the love of Christ compels us, because we judge thus: that if One died for all, then all died; and He died for all, that those who live should live no longer for themselves, but for Him who died for them and rose again.”
This teaching of St. Paul connects back to 1 Corinthians 13. The love about which Paul teaches the Corinthians is not the world’s idea of love. There is a consistent, unified witness according to God’s truth and Spirit that teaches the whole Church about the love of Christ in these things. According to His love we are brought to say and do those things that manifest God’s grace and wisdom. As His people, we seek the things of His kingdom and righteousness, because those result in the fruit that shows others the salvation available to them in Christ’s blood and death!
The terror of God’s Law is necessary, because we all need such instruction in discipline to fear His righteous wrath and repent of our sins. But it is the love that Christ has displayed toward us, sacrificing Himself for us, that brings us to do the works He has given us to do (Eph. 2:10), that we might bear witness to the gift of His love and mercy. Such is a vital part of what the Lord does in us and through us, His holy Church, for the sake of the world and to proclaim the glory of His grace (Eph. 1:6) to all who would believe and be saved through faith in Jesus Christ!
Prayer: We beseech Thee, Almighty God, mercifully to look upon Thy people, that by Thy great goodness they may be governed and preserved evermore, both in body and soul; through Jesus Christ, Thy Son, our Lord, Who liveth and reigneth with Thee and the Holy Ghost, ever One God, world without end. Amen.
Collect for the Season of Lent
Almighty and Everlasting God, Who hatest nothing that Thou hast made, and dost forgive the sins of all those who are penitent: Create and make in us new and contrite hearts, that we, worthily lamenting our sins, and acknowledging our wretchedness, may obtain of Thee, the God of all mercy, perfect remission and forgiveness; through Jesus Christ, Thy Son, our Lord, Who liveth and reigneth with Thee and the Holy Ghost, ever One God, world without end. Amen.
Scripture taken from the New King James Version®. Copyright © 1982 by Thomas Nelson. Used by permission. All rights reserved.
