Saturday, 15th June, 2024
By Pastor Chris Oyakhilome
“ To wit, that God was in Christ, reconciling the world unto himself, not imputing their trespasses unto them; and hath committed unto us the word of reconciliation” (2 Corinthians 5:19).
This is one of the most profound verses in the Pauline epistles. It unveils the magnitude of the Father’s love for all men, His overwhelming and everlasting love! Think about it: God was in Christ, reconciling the world of sinners (not Christians) to Himself, not counting their sins against them. Amazing!
Most don’t realize the truth that Jesus was God, taking the place of sin and sinful man on the Cross. He accepted the most gruesome pain and punishment for the love of man.
It brings to mind how the prophet Isaiah described Him in Isaiah 53:2-3. He explained that He had no form or comeliness, no royal or kingly pomp that they should look at Him. There was no beauty that they should desire Him. He was described as one from whom men hid their faces; despised and unesteemed.
Yet, the world didn’t know that the Creator of the universe, the One who had made each and every one of us, was the one who hung on that Cross in their behalf. They failed to recognize Him; they were oblivious to His presence. But that’s why He sent us to proclaim His love.
The whole world needs to know that Jesus is the embodiment of God's love, sent to reconcile humanity to Himself, not holding their sins against them. Even the vilest offender is loved by God. He harbours no anger or resentment for anyone.
The Bible says He’s not willing that any should perish, but that all should come to repentance (2 Peter 3:9). It’s our duty to proclaim this message: to reveal who Jesus is, to declare His love and the worth of His sacrifice. It’s our responsibility to proclaim this Gospel of His love and grace.
PRAYER/CONFESSION
"Dear Father, thank you for entrusting me with the Gospel of your love and grace. As I boldly proclaim the truth of your love, many hear and are translated into the Kingdom of your Love-Son to walk in the glorious inheritance you’ve prepared for them, in Jesus' Name. Amen."
FURTHER STUDY
1 John 4:10; Romans 5:8-10; John 3:16
1-YEAR BIBLE READING PLAN:
Acts 5:12-42; 2 Chronicles 23-25
2-YEAR BIBLE READING PLAN:
2 Corinthians 4:1-6; Isaiah 1
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