For a description of the (Y2) reading plan, see the “About” page.
2 Cor. 2
How might unforgiveness be related to Satan’s schemes against us? What does this suggest about the importance of forgiveness? I was having a discussion about forgiveness just the other day, and I am coming to think that forgiveness is a two-part thing. The question we were discussing was whether or not forgiveness required repentance. Ultimately, for the process of forgiveness to be complete, I believe the answer is yes. However, in order to get that process started, there must be a genuine willingness to forgive. I believe that is what Paul addressed here.
We must deal with sin, especially in the church, because it impedes our fellowship with God. Forgiveness is not about turning a blind eye to sin. It is important to remember, in thinking about such things, that our battle is not against flesh and blood. We must be aware of Satan’s schemes. Satan would love nothing more than for us to allow sin to remain in our fellowship. He knows that sin will remove us from God’s presence. However, if we step up and “remove the hand” that caused the body problems, don’t think that alone will thwart Satan’s schemes. In order to restore right relationship with God, we must be willing to restore right relationship with the one who wronged us. We do that by demonstrating God’s love to them in hopes that they will restore their relationship with God through repentance to Him.
Maybe that’s what Paul means when he says, “And what I have forgiven…I have forgiven in the sight of Christ for your sake” (2 Cor. 2:10b). Truth is, only God can offer true forgiveness, which removes the guilt of our sins. All we can really offer is a genuine desire, backed by appropriate action, for those lost to sin to receive the same forgiveness that God so freely gave to us. And yes, that does require repentance.
Judges 15-16
What were the warning signs along the way that Samson ignored? Where have you been careless regarding God’s commands? I am curious as to what it means that “Samson led (judged) Israel for twenty years in the days of the Philistines” (Jud. 15:20). Samson clearly lived for himself rather than for God. And his judgment in his own life was so poor I have a hard time seeing how he could have been any kind of discerning judge for others. Even so, he was the instrument that God used to keep the Philistines in check.
I also have a hard time understanding how he did not figure out that Delilah was trying to trap him. Just goes to show that when you get so focused on getting what you want, you don’t exactly see straight. One more good reason to keep your focus on God. We see the biggest ‘tell’ that Samson was NOT focused on God in Judges 16:20b. “But he did not know that the LORD had left him.” Though Samson was dedicated to God from birth, he clearly was not committed to Him.
One last little thought about Samson’s story – as noted, verse 20 says that God had left Samson. The prior verse states, “And his strength left him.” (Jud. 16:19b). This highlights to me how Samson is a great personification of the truth that God is our strength. Samson’s hair was the ‘sign and seal’, so to speak, of his dedication to God, even as the Holy Spirit is of ours. If we, like Samson, are careless of our dedication to God we will not know that God, our strength, has left us and we will fall. May I remain focused on God, mindful of my commitment to Him, that I might stand in His strength!