“It is God who makes both us and you stand firm in Christ. He anointed us, set his seal of ownership on us, and put his Spirit in our hearts as a deposit, guaranteeing what is to come…” (2Cor.1:21-22)
Gracious Father, these two verses are a duet of doxology and praise, a twosome of “Whew!” and “Hallelujah!”, a couplet of cascading grace and Gospel-riches. What are you declaring to be true in 2Cor.1:21-22?
You bought us with the currency of your grace, sealed us as your treasure and inheritance, and will “make us stand firm in Christ” all the way Home. Abba, I have to double-dip on that affirmation. You don’t just enable us to stand firm; you “make us” stand firm. Thank you.
Every day (24/365) your Spirit is telling us about our belovedness to you. Not only is that true, but the Spirit is also the firstfruits and guarantee of a future Jesus secured for us that is off-the-charts, imagination-enthralling magnificent. Nothing should inform, enflame, and transform our lives more than the truth and goodness of this glorious Gospel—when life is easy-breezy and when it is stress-filled and unbearable.
Indeed, thank you for preparing us for the raptures and ruptures of life between Jesus’ resurrection and return. We should expect seasons of “inward groaning and eager waiting.” Like a woman in childbirth who experiences both agony and anticipation without an epidural—but with the great joy of a guaranteed outcome (Rom.8:23). Hallelujah!
Furthermore, Abba, you have told us to encourage one another with this hope, and to work for each other’s joy (1Thess.4:18; 2Cor.1:24). Until you send Jesus back to finish making all things new, our Gospel-friendships are going to matter more than they ever have. Thank you, Abba, and So Very Amen.
