2 Corinthians 13:1-14
Friday, 5 November 2021
That is why I write this while I am away from you; it is so that when I arrive I will not have to deal harshly with you in using the authority that the Lord has given me, authority to build you up, not to tear you down. (2 Corinthians 13:10)
Apostle Paul writes strong messages to the Corinthian church in both epistles addressing many issues in the church. At the end of this letter he reiterates his stand to correct them in order to build them and not to destroy. The intention is stated in Vs.7: “Now I pray to God that you do no evil ….but that you should do what is honorable…”
Paul’s encouragement and concern to the believers in Corinth, shows a picture of Christ being our Master Builder whose words are there to build up and not to tear down –the authority of His truth. It should be the ultimate desire of each to whole heartedly trust in our Lord and King Jesus Christ as he builds the foundation of His Word in our lives by empowering us to be living temples through which the word of life flows freely to positively impact others.
At the age of twelve, in the Temple Jesus stated clearly that He is about His Father’s business and at the Cross He said, it is finished. Jesus our Master Builder is in the business of building us as vessels for his glory with a mission to accomplish. Our mission in the Lord is a wonderful privilege, though big responsibility- an incredible honor to be used by God. It will be a mere waste of time and resources to build a structure that will be of no use to any one; in the same way Jesus, our Master Builder will not be happy to waste so much resources and time on our vessel just to turn out to be useless and unproductive.
In order to build us up, Jesus has secured our salvation, put us in His family, given us His Spirit, and then made us His agents in the world. Paul after been delivered, nurtured and built up by Jesus, did not stop at anything to propagate the gospel be it far or near. He was very much determined to see to it that the words of his Savior and Master are fully followed and respected. Not forgetting the weakness of our human state, Paul encourage us to put ourselves to the test, to judge ourselves whether we are living in the faith. Our Lord and Master is not interested in building up vessels that are unproductive for His glory.
The value of every building lies in the content of material that is used. If we use poor materials to build our own lives, we end up becoming structures that will never stand the test of time. But if the Lord helps us to build our lives as we submit to His instructions as the Architect of our lives then we will eventually come out to be the best structure for His glory!
Structures portray the desire of the builder and serve his purpose. As buildings designed by our Master Builder, we are to pursue the Master’s will and purpose; ready to jump into service at the Master’s command. If we only serve when it is convenient for us, then we are not real servants but a structure that tries to command itself. Leave everything in the hands of the Master who is the designer of our soul; He directs our will and gives us value for his glory. Philippians 2: 13 says: “…for it is God who works in you both to will and to do for His good pleasure.”
Prayer: “Lord Jesus, help me to be serviceable in Your Kingdom as a willing structure for Your glory. Amen”