Talk about loving the Lord with your MIND!



Wow, Bailey demonstrates how to love the Lord with your mind like no other!

Paul speaks of not using lofty and wise words, yet Bailey reveals how Paul connects his letter to both Jewish and Greek readers in the church. Bailey’s explanation of connections to Isaiah and the rhetoric that mirrors Greek funeral orations adds depth to the scripture that I would never of had the knowledge to see before!

Man, Paul knew what he was talking about! He had a deep connection to his audience and was able to truly engage with them. His understanding of his community brings validity and depth to his letter that I had never known.

YET, at the same time, Paul is able to generalize his words to the church as a whole by focusing his letter on the cross and the unity of the crucifixion.

I’ve been challenged by this reading and especially by Paul’s devotion to the cross and his expression of his own suffering in light of the cross. Paul suffers and many saw it as foolishness, but he had the wisdom to know that God is the only judge whose judgment is relevant. Paul is a faithful witness to the mysteries of God. He may not understand (at least fully)  the reason for his suffering on behalf of the word of God, but he is faithfully obedient nonetheless!

Looking forward to the next chunk of reading!
Mirm

Comments

  1. Reid DelgadoOctober 24, 2018 at 8:08 AM

    Good Stuff Mirm. I like the reminder that obedience in the face of mysterious circumstances is always more satisfying than "Bread" - (Man Shall not live on bread alone......)

    ReplyDelete
  2. Steve MannOctober 24, 2018 at 8:10 AM

    Thanks Mirm! You led me to this potential discovery --

    "Not understanding the reason for suffering but remaining faithfully obedient nonetheless" I believe is the unspoken (at times) testimony of laughter and tears that brings so much life, joy, and hope to folks who serve on the water!"

    Steve

    ReplyDelete

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