Author: Dave Dishman (Page 258 of 475)

I find myself bombarded by messaging. Advertisers point out cars to make me look super cool, pizzas to satisfy, and a wide variety of alcoholic beverages to place me among the hippest of crowds (I watch a lot of football).

Politicians constantly message, on both the good they do and the damage wrought by their opponents. Universities message, their public relations departments churning out good news like graduates. All day and everywhere, messaging.

As a itinerate preacher, Paul carried one basic message—Jesus Christ as Lord.

Many opposed Paul and his fellow missionaries, who often found themselves persecuted (as in beat down and left for dead). However, others listened and responded enthusiastically. Jesus Christ as Lord was divisive messaging back in the day.

Jesus Christ as Lord remains divisive. The messaging I hear from the world encourages me to consider myself as lord. I’m to believe in my inner self, to understand I’m enough, to shine on my own stage. Entire fortunes are made by encouraging me to take pictures of myself and post them online, alongside millions of pictures of other people doing the same.

This extreme narcissism of our day—nothing like it has ever existed in human history—pushes me incessantly. Other people? Take a number and get in line, and while you’re there be sure to like my tic-toc videos (I’m trying to become an influencer).

Jesus Christ as Lord lands with a thud. Jesus Christ as therapeutic aid in my quest to discover my authentic self fits better with the cultural narrative. But Jesus Christ as Lord? Scary and to be honest, bad for my self-esteem.

Yet Paul left no other option. Neither did Jesus—Follow me and let the dead bury their own dead (Matthew 8:22). Nor did God the Father—You will have no other gods before me (Exodus 20:3).

So it’s either Jesus Christ as Lord, or we’re lost in the morass of self. Tough messaging in today’s climate, but far more hopeful and loving and needed than perhaps we realize.

2 Corinthians 4 in reading the Bible cover to cover in 2022

Photo by Steve Gale

I sat outside (letting my coffee do its work) and heard the loud whoosh! of a hot air balloon firing its burner. The ballon flew overhead somewhere, veiled by thick layers of leaves. Slowly the balloon drifted into sight, with me emerging clearly into the passenger’s view. Way too early for unexpected guests, but I waved politely.

Similar to how those leaves veiled my view of a balloon, Paul wrote of a divine screening: Even to this day when Moses is read, a veil covers their hearts. But whenever anyone turns to the Lord, the veil is taken away.

Ever talk to someone about God and get no response? Did it feel like no comprehension, no interest, existed at all? Good chance a veil obstructed their view.

Rather than speak louder, ask the Lord to remove the veil. Spiritual clarity develops slowly, like a balloon drifting across the sky. This veil is a defiant spiritual reality—a cataract of the soul—and only the Lord eliminates the screen between any of us and true knowledge of Him.

Knowing a veil exists lends me patience for those around me who seem far from the Lord. I’m not superior in my unveiled status, just fortunate to live in grace and ability to contemplate the Lord’s glory.

As for those who just don’t get it? Pray the veils falls.

2 Corinthians 3 in reading the Bible cover to cover in 2022

Photo – an offending balloon escaping from my house

Paul famously described the knowledge of God as an aroma spreading to those hearing the message of the gospel—to the one we are an aroma that brings death; to the other, an aroma that brings life.

Part of the aroma swirls around the message itself. One group hears the good news of Jesus and quickly realizes their need for a savior. They’ve found what they desired but never knew existed. Others hear the word and recoil, unwilling to confront the issues between them and the Lord.

Another wisp of the aroma involves the messenger. Paul lays this out: Unlike to many, we do not peddle the word of God for profit. On the contrary, in Christ we speak before God with sincerity, as those sent from God.

I stink up the gospel message if I peddle the word of God for profit. Rather damning for preachers with private jets, but also for anyone using their platform of teacher to extract from the taught. The Pharisees were guilty, and it’s striking that even at the beginning of the Christian church this issue arose.

Ever covetous, our hearts.

Paul also wrote a worker is worthy of his wages (1 Timothy 5:18). We should compensate well those who carry the gospel—and as one who carries the gospel I’m much appreciative. But hawking God’s word merely for profit cheapens the message. Those who need it most smell unsavory motives.

In other words, it stinks.

Like me, if you talk about the gospel, give yourself a good sniff test. I want those around me to smell only the aroma of Jesus, for good or for ill.

2 Corinthians 2 in reading the Bible cover to cover in 2022

Photo by Mulyadi

I’m not a very good memorizer of scripture, and I hear others are not so good as well. One successful technique for memorization I learned involves writing out a verse you want to memorize and taping it to your bathroom mirror. Then every morning when you get ready for the day you see the verse and run through it a few times. Before long, you know the verse by heart.

Of course, you have to remember where you keep the tape.

Paul wrote a mirror-worthy encouragement in the closing of his first letter to the Corinthian church:

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

Paul’s words sound especially important today. Those who follow Jesus can feel assailed on every side. Remember to take courage and buck up under the onslaught. Refuse to give in to the pressure to abandon your faith. Then face whatever you face with love.

Balance a clear-headed commitment to truth with a generous, loving nature of grace.

Good words to tape on your mirror.

1 Corinthians 16:13-14 in reading the Bible cover to cover in 2022

Photo by Worshae