October 22, 2025 - 2 Corinthians 1-2

In his second letter to the Corinthians, Paul begins by encouraging the saints by reminding them about their (and our) “Father of mercies and God of all comfort, who comforts us in all our affliction” (1:3,4).  Paul himself had been so utterly burdened beyond his strength that he “despaired of life itself” (1:8).  But the difficulties, according to Paul, were “to make us rely not on ourselves but on God who raises the dead” (1:9).  There are some jewels here, which I think we sometimes forget:  “For all the promises of God find their Yes (Amen) in him” (1:20); “But thanks be to God, who in Christ always leads us in triumphal procession, and through us spreads the fragrance of the knowledge of him everywhere” (2:14); and “For we are the aroma of Christ to God among those who are perishing” (2:15).  There’s more!  Chapters 3 and 4, oh my!  Tomorrow . . .

To God be the glory, great things He hath done,

so loved He the world that He gave us His Son,

who yielded His life an atonement for sin,

and opened the life-gate that all may go in.

Praise the Lord, praise the Lord,

let the earth hear His voice!

Praise the Lord, praise the Lord,

let the people rejoice!

O come to the Father through Jesus the Son,

and give Him the glory, great things He hath done.   -- Fanny Crosby (1875)