The city of Corinth seems like the city of Chicago or Corpus Christi or Chinatown or any city where I might dwell. USA. We all struggle with strutting arrogance and wanting recognition and seething sensual sins. Yes, these are all the same things that our citizens struggle with 2,000 years later. Paul pastored this church at Corinth---right smack dab in the middle of pagan city--- for over one year. Couldn't bring about much change in their pagan roots---but they were Christians acting like Corinthians.
The mantra of Corinth was that all things are lawful---said it four times! All activities are good. And Paul stands up tall among them and says: No, it is only by the Holy Spirit that anything is good. I Cor 12:11 All these are empowered by one and the same Spirit, who apportions to each one individually as he wills. So whatever gifts you have, whatever activties you engage in, may the Power of the One Who held these Corinthians close and spread the Word through them---may that Resurrection Power be yours.
Meanwhile, over in Psalm 88:18 , there is a reference to a prophecy about our Christ as He was taken prisoner in a horrifying cell. The psalm is written about Christ's last night on earth. Shunned by his friends. "Darkness had become [His] only companion." The dungeon in the House of the High Priest was a deep cave with stocks to secure his hands and feet. Deep in Darkness. Deep calls to Deep. He did it for you and for me.
We are many parts but One Body in Christ Jesus. To one, the gift of prophesy, to another, the gift of teaching...earnestly desire the higher gifts...
ReplyDeleteObviously the Holy Spirit gives the gifts, but are we to ask for/desire some of the other gifts?
Heavenly Father, show us this more excellent way!
When I read this Psalm, I thought, boy this doesn't get better and end a little happier like the rest of the psalms. I didn't know this was about our Jesus and his last dark hours. You add so much each day here, Bev. I so appreciate your details and insight!
ReplyDeleteWalking down into this claustrophobic cell was so frightening to me. Utter darkness. Christ Alone. On the wall was a plaque inscribed with Psalm 88. Descending down to where the stocks still stand that secured our Savior from sundown to sunrise was startling. I will never forget the steps, the stocks, the Surrender!
ReplyDeleteI can't imagine. And to walk into that fully knowing what lay ahead for Him. . .
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