Day 87 - Issue 41
2 Corinthians 13.14 NLT
'May the grace of the Lord Jesus Christ, the love of God, and the fellowship of the Holy Spirit be with you all.'
As Paul concludes this tough letter in which he has responded to fierce criticism of his ministry, he ends by blessing the church in Corinth. These beautiful words are ones that are repeated millions of times every year as Christians meet together. They are the strongest words of blessing that could be imagined and summarise the majestic work of the Trinity.
Jesus’ life and ministry are wonderfully summed up in the word ‘grace’. Grace means ‘gift’, and his life and death were God’s perfect gift to the world. In a world in which there is often brokenness, sadness and a distinct lack of grace, it is wonderful to be able to pray for people to experience the grace of the Lord Jesus Christ. His grace brings healing, forgiveness and restoration.
Many things could be said of God the Father, the creator of the world. He is all powerful and all knowing. No word of praise or adoration is too great to express his majesty. But if you had to choose just one word to describe him, ‘love’ would be a good choice, for God is love.
The Holy Spirit was God’s gracious gift to the church when Jesus returned to his Father’s right hand in heaven. He lives with us and, every day, he offers to have fellowship with us and to lead us into all truth. Jesus said that it was to his disciples’ advantage that he went away, so that the Holy Spirit could be sent to them. In his earthly life, Jesus couldn’t be with everyone all the time. But the Holy Spirit can – and so we gladly bless one another with the encouragement that the fellowship of the Holy Spirit is constantly with us.
We should never repeat these words of blessing quickly or thoughtlessly. They take us to the heart of the nature of our great Triune God, and are the strongest words of blessing that could be imagined.
Question: In what way is this blessing special to you?
Prayer: May the grace of the Lord Jesus Christ, the love of God and the fellowship of the Holy Spirit be with us all today. Amen