25 Oct November 2nd Daily Devotion

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

CHRIST’S LOVE COMPELS US

2 Corinthians 5:13-15 “If we are “out of our mind,” as some say, it is for God; if we are in our right mind, it is for you. For Christ’s love compels us, because we are convinced that one died for all, and therefore all died. And He died for all, that those who live should no longer live for themselves but for Him who died for them and was raised again.”

St. Paul, all the Apostle’s, and the next generation of pastors they recruited and trained were driven.  They were relentless, compelled to spread the gospel throughout the world.  They were under constant threat of arrest, persecution, and death.  However, nothing could deter them.  The love of God that filled their hearts drove them with sheer determination and commitment.

From today’s devotional verses it appears in the opening words that some were saying that St. Paul and Timothy were, as we would say today, crazy.  No, says St. Paul, he was not crazy.  It was for God he literally put his life on the line day in and day out.  And, he says to the Corinthians, it was also for them.

Why did St. Paul conduct his life in this manner?  His answer given in today’s devotional verses: “For Christ’s love compels us, because we are convinced that one died for all, and therefore all died. And He died for all, that those who live should no longer live for themselves but for Him who died for them and was raised again.”  It was Christ’s love for him and for all sinners that caused St. Paul to literally sacrifice himself to carry out his missionary ministry.  Christ’s saving work was the motivating force for Paul and Timothy.

Further, St. Paul writes, “And He died for all, that those who live should no longer live for themselves but for Him who died for them and was raised again.”  The same driving force, the complete love of Jesus for you, the absolute forgiveness of your sins He has won for you, the promise He has given you of everlasting life through faith in Him, compels you, fills you with commitment to Him, and gives you the determination to live your life to His glory.  You know “. . . you died, and your life is now hidden with Christ in God.  When Christ, who is your life, appears, then you also will appear with Him in glory.” (Colossians 3:3-4)

Prayer:  Holy Spirit, bless me with a faith that will not falter that I trust in Jesus for all my needs of body and soul.  In His holy name.  Amen.

Come, Thou fount of ev’ry blessing, Tune my heart to sing Thy grace;

Streams of mercy, never ceasing, Call for songs of loudest praise.

While the hope of endless glory Fills my heart with joy and love,

Teach me ever to adore Thee; May I still Thy goodness prove.

Here I raise my Ebenezer, Hither by Thy help I’ve come;

And I hope, by Thy good pleasure, Safely to arrive at home.

Jesus sought me when a stranger, Wand’ring from the fold of God;

He, to rescue me from danger, Interposed His precious blood.

Oh, to grace how great a debtor, Daily I’m constrained to be;

Let that grace now like a fetter Bind my wand’ring heart to Thee;

Prone to wander, Lord, I feel it; Prone to leave the God I love.

Here’s my heart, O take and seal it, Seal it for Thy courts above.

Oh, that day when freed from sinning, I shall see Thy lovely face;

Clothed then in the blood-washed linen,

How I’ll sing Thy wondrous grace! Come, my Lord, no longer tarry,

Take my ransom’d soul away;

Send Thine angels soon to carry Me to realms of endless day.

(LSB 686)