Confidence in Christ’s Recompense

This meditation is based on a passage for April 10, 2010 in the Daily Lectionary Year 2 from the Book of Common Worship for the Presbyterian Church (U.S.A.) (1993).

Text: 2 Corinthians 4:16-5:10

Reflection and Question: Paul really seems to be struggling to explain himself here. I can almost see his brain working as he thinks out loud. The distinction between body and spirit is necessary to get to his deeper point that perishing body or eternal spirit are finally irrelevant. What is supremely important is our accountability to Christ for what we do in this world. We do best in this life when we “aim to please him.” Paul knows some of the Corinthians are judging him so he is also reminding them that Christ is his judge, not them. How do you aim to please Christ?

Prayer: Holy Jesus, we know that in every moment You judge all that we have done and are doing. You know how often we fail in making our aim to please You. Our confidence is in Your love and guidance, offered freely to us. Hold us, we pray. Amen.