1 Corinthians 1:1-9
Paul, called to be an apostle of Christ Jesus by the will of God, and our brother Sosthenes, To the church of God in Corinth, to those sanctified in Christ Jesus and called to be his holy people, together with all those everywhere who call on the name of our Lord Jesus Christ—their Lord and ours: Grace and peace to you from God our Father and the Lord Jesus Christ. I always thank my God for you because of his grace given you in Christ Jesus. For in him you have been enriched in every way—with all kinds of speech and with all knowledge—God thus confirming our testimony about Christ among you. Therefore you do not lack any spiritual gift as you eagerly wait for our Lord Jesus Christ to be revealed. He will also keep you firm to the end, so that you will be blameless on the day of our Lord Jesus Christ. God is faithful, who has called you into fellowship with his Son, Jesus Christ our Lord. 1 Corinthians 1:1-9 (NIV)
When I get my assigned Bible verses for devotions, I generally read through them a few times and jot down any initial thoughts, reactions or possible themes - anything that jumps out at me.
Then a week or so later, I revisit them and see what my mind has come up with after a little time to ruminate.
These particular verses were difficult because there were so many initial ideas:
- together with all those everywhere — a follower of Christ is never alone.
- enriched in every way - with all kinds of speech and all kinds of knowledge — Jesus Christ enriches our lives with speech and knowledge.
- we do not lack any spiritual gift — everyone is different but together we have all the spiritual gifts necessary.
I could certainly expand and expound on all these themes but what struck me in the interval of time is how I changed. How my re-reading the text a week later, with all the things that happened shifted my feelings about these verses. And what they meant.
Which got me thinking about reading the Bible. And how one story, a verse, a passage can hit differently depending on the reader. And where they’re at in life. Or even if they’re having a good day … or a bad one.
If I was feeling alone, these verses offer me fellowship and community. If I was feeling sad, I could take comfort from verse 3 “Grace and peace to you from God our Father and our Lord, Jesus Christ.” If I was scared I’d read verse 9, “God is faithful.”
The story of the widow who tithes her two small coins can be viewed both from the lens of those who have a lot to give and those who have little. And all the emotions from both sides.
The return of the prodigal son is another story that has a multitude of “sides” and depending on how you’re feeling in the moment, maybe you see another side of the story a little differently then you did before.
But one thing is certain, no matter the verse or the happenings of the day, God loves me and Jesus is with me (and you) always.
Questions for Reflection:
- What other Bible stories can you think of that may strike you different depending on how you’re feeling?
- Have you ever read a Bible verse and been struck by a ‘different’ meaning?
- Do you read your Bible like a book (straight through) or just a passage here and there? Do you think it makes a difference?
Prayer:
Lord of all, thank you for the living word that steadies us and reminds us of the love that surpasses all understanding. Amen
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