October 6, 2024 - 2 Corinthians 5-8

More jewels from 2 Corinthians.  “So we are always of good courage.  We know that while we are at home in the body we are away from the Lord, for we walk by faith, not by sight” (5:6,7).  And, “Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, he is a new creation.  The old has passed away; behold, the new has come” (5:17).  And, “For our sake he made him to be sin who knew no sin, so that in him we might become the righteousness of God” (5:21).  And, “Since we have these promises, beloved, let us cleanse ourselves from every defilement of body and spirit, bringing holiness to completion in the fear of God” (7:1).  And, how about:  “For you know the grace of our Lord Jesus Christ, that though he was rich, yet for your sake he became poor, so that you by his poverty might become rich” (8:9).

I don’t want to suggest, and I certainly do not believe, that these verses in some way are more important than the rest of the epistle.  I’m just amazed at how many texts I have had greatest familiarity with over the years are found in 2 Corinthians.  Some more good stuff here.

Thou who wast rich beyond all splendour,

All for love’s sake becamest poor;

Thrones for a manger didst surrender,

Sapphire-paved courts for stable floor.

Thou who wast rich beyond all splendour,

All for love’s sake becomes poor.   -- Frank Houghton (1957)