2022_06_20 Insight Post- Kim Feld

  -   June 20, 2022

This week’s reading- 1 Corinthians 15-16

Happy Juneteenth! Today as we celebrate the national holiday, I hope you will take time to pause and reflect on the impact of chattel slavery in our country and the significance that June 19^th brought for our African American brothers and sisters. But, the story didn’t end on June 19, 1865. The same God who created all of humanity in His image continues to call us to unity and brotherly love.

As I read 1 Corinthians 15 – 16 today, I was in awe of what Jesus’ resurrection from the dead means for us. His death and resurrection bought our freedom! He liberated us from sin and death! But that liberation did not only ensure our future in heaven. It was given to us to change the way we live today. Let’s look at the last verse of chapter 15:

⁵⁸ Therefore, my dear brothers and sisters, stand firm. Let nothing move you. Always give yourselves fully to the work of the Lord because you know that your labor in the Lord is not in vain.

Paul expounds on his encouragement to stand firm in chapter 16:

¹³ Be on your guard; stand firm in the faith; be courageous; be strong. ¹⁴ Do everything in love.

Without the resurrection, there would be no reason to hope! Because of the resurrection, we can stand firm, immovable, courageous, and strong. But, again, Paul covers it all with the admonition to do everything with love. Not just some things or things that we feel like doing, but EVERYTHING.

I don’t know about you, but I get weary. Sometimes it feels like “the work of the Lord” is too heavy. I wish I could say that doesn’t happen often, but I’d be lying. But when it happens, it’s a clue to me that I’ve taken my eyes off Jesus and lost focus. Listen to Paul’s words in his letter to the church at Ephesus:

¹⁹ I also pray that you will understand the incredible greatness of God’s power for us who believe him. This is the same mighty power ²⁰ that raised Christ from the dead and seated him in the place of honor at God’s right hand in the heavenly realms. Ephesians 1:19-20

The resurrection sealed the deal, revealing God’s incredible power. That same power is available to lead and guide us, allowing us to be strong and courageous as we wait for Jesus’ return. We also have been given the power to love if we choose to exercise it.