In the preceding chapters we could see turbulent confrontations in Paul’s missionary outreaches at various places. Now Paul has reached Corinth – a city reputed for its sensual life. Corinth was the political capital of Achaia and the center of worship of a pagan goddess for fertility. In this hostile setting, having gone through tumultuous encounters previously, the LORD is encouraging Paul with these comforting words – His presence!!

 

It has been the same throughout the Bible – whenever God’s children were faced with troubles from the enemy or persecution for His name, He strengthened them with His presence. When Stephen was being martyred, the glorious presence of the Lord standing in heaven imparted the extraordinary strength to forgive his executioners!! (Acts 7:55). When the Apostles were put in jail, the Lord opened its door (Acts 5:19); in another instance when they prayed together, the Lord endued them with divine power and the place where they gathered was shaken (Acts 4:31); when Peter was in Jail, when Paul and Silas were in Jail, the doors were opened and the chains were broken!!

 

When God’s children were put in the fiery furnace He came down in it, His angels came in the Lion’s den, He was there to strengthen a weak Gideon, He spoke with a startled Joshua, and He strengthened the stammering Moses!!

 

Are you passing through a time whereby you are overwhelmed with the intensity of the situation? – His presence is assured – the Lord tells expressly that somebody reading this message is going through extreme stressful situation that the only option you see is to end your life!! DON’T! Jesus has promised abundant life for you!! He is right near you to save you! Will you call out to Him now?

 

Our GOD is a very present help in trouble (Psalm 46:1)!! He is a comforting Father.

 

Further we see the Lord’s concern for people. He says, “I have many people ….” They are not believers – they were known at that time the most sensual people. There was a phrase in Greek “to act like a Corinthian” as a synonym for sexual immorality. Among such a community, God has people! What would have God found in them to be so concerned? How would we react to such situations? Others ridiculed Corinthians for their sensual way of life – yet God found among them “many” to be His people. The way God values people is different from ours. Even in the wretched parts of the world God has His people! Jonah thought the Ninevites were not worthy to enjoy God’s forgiveness – but God said, He has compassion for them!

 

Are we compassionate to the people that we see in our neighborhood, in our village, in our city? Do we value them? God says He values them. “Do I have pleasure in the death of the wicked,” declares the Lord GOD, “rather than that he should turn from his ways and live? “For I have no pleasure in the death of anyone who dies” says the Lord GOD. “Therefore, repent and live.” -Ezekiel 18:23,32.

God has many people in your city. He promises His presence with you!

The Call:

“Go therefore...”     -Matthew 28:19  

 Listen- ‘God of this city’