For a description of the (Y2) reading plan, see the “About” page.
2 Cor. 7
Contrast godly sorrow with worldly sorrow. What does this suggest about true repentance? Sometimes we need to do the hard thing in our relationships. We don’t like to cause others pain, but pain is often the test that reveals a person’s true heart. At least this is the case when the pain is caused by our holding fast to God’s truth and putting it before those who are being lured away from God.
Such was Paul’s situation with the Corinthian church. He called them out for their worldly behavior, illuminating it with the light of God’s truth. Because nobody likes to be called out, this caused them sorrow. Of course, Paul’s intention was not to hurt them but to point them back to God. As he said, “Godly sorrow brings repentance that leads to salvation and leaves no regret, but worldly sorrow brings death.” (2 Cor. 7:10). Those among the Corinthians whose hearts were true saw what God’s truth illuminated and changed their ways. Once such people are back on the right path, both they and the one who lit the torch are grateful for the sorrow involved because it had the intended result. Those, then, who resist God’s truth and continue in their own way become responsible for their own sorrow and its deadly result.
When Paul told the Romans, “If it is possible, as far as it depends on you, live at peace with everyone” (Rom. 12:18), he was talking about not squabbling over petty, legalistic differences. This isn’t that. We need to understand that holiness can never dwell in peace with evil. Yet that is the intent behind actions of appeasement. This is why Paul said, “Do not be yoked together with unbelievers. For what do righteousness and wickedness have in common?” (2 Cor. 6:14a). Appeasement only serves to push both parties further off God’s path. So, difficult as it is, it is far better to do the hard thing, even if it hurts.
1 Sam. 1-2
I saw a glimmer of something I have never noticed before about Samuel’s story. It’s a glimmer because I’m not sure how all the details sort out. But I do see the overall representation. I see the Levites as a representation of the Jews as a whole, as God chose them to replace, or redeem, the first born among the Israelites. So when God sends a prophet to Eli to say, “I will cut short your strength and the strength of your priestly house” (1 Sam. 2:31a), and “Those who honor me I will honor, but those who despise me will be disdained” (1 Sam. 2:30b), I see it as something more than just a word to Eli’s house. This speaks to me of the Jews’ rejection of Jesus and the consequent extension of God’s redemption to the Gentiles, which occurred after Jesus’ time on earth.
The prophet goes on to say more. “I will raise up for myself a faithful priest, who will do according to what is in my heart and mind. I will firmly establish his priestly house, and they will minister before my anointed one always.” (1 Sam. 2:35). That, to me, is a clear prophecy of Jesus and His Church (that’s us). Samuel is important to this somehow. He is clearly not the one whose priestly house God firmly established. He was, however, given as a gift to minister to the high priest. We, too, are gifts, given to minister to our High Priest, who is Christ the Lord. So perhaps Samuel is a representation of Christ’s priestly house, made up of both Jews and Gentiles, who are God’s true chosen people.
Ps. 51
This is David’s prayer of confession after his sin with Bathsheba (see 2 Samuel 11-12). Use this prayer as your own confession to God. David is doing more than writing a song in this Psalm. And he is doing more than merely confessing his sin and seeking forgiveness. He is prophetically showing us the character and nature of God. I’m not just talking about God’s forgiveness of sin, either. God does so much more than that.
First, David shows us what God desires. “Yet you desired faithfulness even in the womb” (Ps. 51:6a). And, “a broken and contrite heart you, God, will not despise” (Ps. 51:17b). We, like David, need to acknowledge our sin, recognize our need, and trust in God’s ability and faithfulness to make us whole and holy when we do.
David also shows us the depths of God’s mercy and forgiveness when we humble ourselves before Him. He washes us whiter than snow. He blots out all our iniquity. But, remarkable as that is, He doesn’t stop there. He restores us to joy and gives us a spirit willing to serve Him again. And there’s more still. David says, “Then I will teach transgressors your ways, so that sinners will turn back to you.” (Ps. 51:13). That’s right – after restoring us, God takes our mistakes and failures and uses them for His glory and for the good of others. How awesome is that?!?