25 Oct November 13th Daily Devotional

A SERIES OF DEVOTIONS BASED ON PAUL’S SECOND LETTER TO THE CORINTHIANS

 THE JOY OVER PENITENCE

2 Corinthians 7:2-4 “Make room for us in your hearts. We have wronged no one, we have corrupted no one, we have exploited no one.  I do not say this to condemn you; I have said before that you have such a place in our hearts that we would live or die with you. I have spoken to you with great frankness; I take great pride in you. I am greatly encouraged; in all our troubles my joy knows no bounds.”

“My joy knows no bounds.”  St. Paul is filled with rejoicing at the report Timothy has brought him concerning the spiritual situation in Corinth.  They were his spiritual family. The sins of the members of this congregation and their lack of penitence had caused Paul great concern.  Their immorality had weighed heavily upon his heart.

When Titus reported to Paul that the Corinthians had recognized their sins, repented of them, and received absolution Paul rejoiced. He exclaimed, “My joy knows no bounds.” His heart joined with the angels in heaven.  Jesus said of them,  “ . . . there is rejoicing in the presence of the angels of God over one sinner who repents.” (Luke 15:10)

While the evil in this world weighs you down, the sins of human beings cause you much anguish, the unbelief of so many is a scandal, Jesus says,  “I will see you again and you will rejoice, and no one will take away your joy.” (John 16:22)  As Paul’s anguish over the sins of the Corinthians was but for a short time so is your anguish over the sins that occur all around you.

It is painful for you a Christian to recognize you sin daily.  As much as you want to live your life in accord with God’s will you so often fail to do so.  Listen to the words of the Psalmist, “You, Lord, are forgiving and good, abounding in love to all who call to you. Hear my prayer, Lord; listen to my cry for mercy. When I am in distress, I call to you, because you answer me.” (Psalm 86:5-7)  The Holy Spirit lead you to speak to the Lord the words of the Tax Collector, “God, be merciful to me, a sinner” remembering Jesus said of this man, “he went away justified.” (Luke 18:13-14)

Prayer:  Lord, be merciful to me a sinner.  I pray this in the name of Jesus.  Amen.

Just as I am, without one plea But that Thy blood was shed for me

And that thou did’st me come to Thee, O Lamb of God, I come,

I Come.

Just as I am and wanting not To rid my soul of one dark blot,

To Thee, whose blood can cleanse each spot, O Lamb of God,

I come, I come.

Just as I am, though tossed about With many a conflict,

Many a doubt.  Fightings and fears within, without,

O Lamb of God I come, I come.

Just as I am, poor, wretched, blind; Sight, riches, healing of the mind,

Yea, all I need, in Thee to find,

O Lamb of God, I come, I come.

Just as I am, Thou wilt receive,

Will welcome, pardon, cleanse, relieve;

Because Thy promise I believe, O Lamb of God, I come, I come.

Just as I am; Thy love unknown Has broken ev’ry barrier down;

Now to be Thine, yea, Thine alone, O Lamb of God I come, I come.

(LSB 570)