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Over the past few weeks, through the season of Epiphany, the theme of unity has developed in our sermons. Some of our passages have come from 1 Corinthians. Recently, I was asked about 1 Corinthians 5 which some have understood as being counter to Paul’s teaching on unity in the body. In light of this, I thought it would be helpful to provide some clarification on biblical unity.
We are in a time of great uncertainty. The COVID-19 pandemic is moving through the world and the realization that we are not as in control of our lives and circumstances as we previously thought has many of us feeling afraid. It is during times like this that I am led to refocus on what I think is the most neglected aspect of the good new of Jesus, His ascension.
The religious Jews in Nazareth came to the synagogue to hear one of their own teach God’s word. They were moved and even marveled at the graciousness of His message. When they learned that His grace was not only for them, but for the people that they hated and looked down on, they became enraged and wanted to kill Him.
We all go through seasons of suffering. We suffer as a result of living in a fallen world. On occasion we are hurt because of our own decisions and often we suffer because of the actions of others. While God does not cause us to suffer, He does work through suffering to accomplish His kingdom purposes. When we realize this we are able to find joy in the midst of suffering.
