November 15, 2018: SOAP #3269:  Job 41, 42; 2Corinthians 1, 2

Scripture:  2Corinthians (NIV) 1:1 Paul, an apostle of Christ Jesus by the will of God, and Timothy our brother, To the church of God in Corinth, together with all the saints throughout Achaia: 2 Grace and peace to you from God our Father and the Lord Jesus Christ.

Observation:  The twelve times Paul uses this greeting, grace always precedes peace.  Before we can have peace with God, or the peace of God, we must first experience His grace.  God’s grace, His free offer of acceptance and blessing offered to those who deserve alienation and judgment, is provided for us through the cross.  His grace is the foundation for His peace.  Without grace there can be no peace.

What an appropriate salutation for a letter!

Before two nations long at war can have true peace, grace must be offered and received by both nations.  In winning the war, the victors (who are themselves imperfect) have won the right to be the first to offer grace.   If not offered and received, memories of war will boil under the surface and fighting will break out again.

Application:  What a wonderful thing is peace, especially peace with God!  The only way I can have that peace is by receiving forgiveness and justification through His sacrifice on the cross.

Prayer:   Heavenly Father, thank you for your grace offered to me through the death of Jesus on the cross.  Thank you for making a way for me to live in peace with you!   Amen

Pastor Leon
Making friends for time and eternity!