September 18, 2023
Passage Read: 2 Corinthians 4-5
Meditation Verses: 5:10-11
Thought
The fact that we will all stand in judgment before Jesus is sobering to Paul, and drives him to seek to persuade men to believe in Jesus. He doesn't think that he's fine and safe because he himself believed the gospel, but he knows what it means to fear the Lord. He doesn't want any reprimand, even if he's guaranteed eternity with Christ. He's not going to kick back and coast into heaven. There is still an aspect of fear that at least reminds him of the fear that men should feel being outside of Christ. But he goes on to talk about appearing out of his mind and of no longer living for himself, but Jesus who died for him.
Application
Lord, help me fear You more, and help me fear for unbelievers more, that I would be far more diligent to warn them and call them to repentance, that they might be saved. My love has grown cold; I don't care if men live or die. They're all stubborn and stupid; they're all blind and uncaring, arrogant and self-absorbed. Give me fear for them, compassion for them.