Day 79
Today’s reading: 2 Corinthians 5:11-6:13
The Ministry of Reconciliation
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The Ministry of Reconciliation 〰️
Reflections
Once upon a time, there was a violent shootout. A very wealthy man had offended some dangerous people, and they came to retaliate in a drive-by shooting. Just as they were about to open fire on him, a close friend of his leapt in front of the bullets and died in his place. This friend left behind young children with no one to care for them and no means of survival. Yet, despite the sacrifice, the wealthy man refused to look after the children of the one who died for him.
How does this story make you feel? Wouldn’t you expect the wealthy man to take responsibility for the family of the friend who gave his life for him? I once heard a preacher share this story, and it powerfully illustrates our responsibility as blood-bought believers. Someone died your death. You don’t really get to live for yourself anymore and not out of obligation, but out of gratitude.
Each of us carries this responsibility. Our lives now belong to Christ, and our aim is to please Him. So, what exactly is this ministry we’ve received? It’s not about running off to pursue our own ambitions. Our primary responsibility is to reconcile God’s lost children back to Him. This was the very work Christ came to do, and it’s the work we must now continue because of His sacrifice.
It should trouble us to see people alienated from God. It should grieve us to watch souls drift toward death, when peace and life with God are available. Therefore, we must commit ourselves to persuading others to draw them toward life, toward reconciliation with their Father. This is the ultimate purpose of our new life in Christ.
Study Questions
In your own words, what is the message of reconciliation, and why is it central to the gospel?
Based on this passage and previous chapters, what qualities or marks reveal a true minister of the gospel? What does Paul emphasize as most valuable in ministry?
Since God has entrusted each of us with the ministry of reconciliation, in what specific ways are you actively living out this calling in your daily life? How can you grow in it?
What did you learn about God’s nature, His ways and His will from today’s reading?
Highlight
“For the love of Christ controls us, because we have concluded this: that one has died for all, therefore all have died; and he died for all, that those who live might no longer live for themselves but for him who for their sake died and was raised.” 2 Corinthians 5:14-15 ESV
