Tuesday 23 May 2023

Psalm 48:9-14

Background

Wherever Paul travelled on his journey through Greece, he was noticed and often opposed and attacked. He has now arrived in Corinth, a city known for its debauchery and licentiousness. But Corinth was also a city of great wealth, a commercial centre, a sporting centre and a place that offered Paul some of his greatest ministry challenges and opportunities.

As was his custom, Paul began to preach, teach and persuade those in the synagogue that in Jesus the ancient promises of God’s Messiah were fulfilled. He received a hostile reception and left declaring that "From now on I will go to the Gentiles", expressing a refocusing of his work in the city and making people aware that the good news of Jesus is for everyone and anyone who would receive it. In Christ, God is for all, not only those who were historically and traditionally included.

Although "many of the Corinthians who heard Paul became believers and were baptised" (v. 8), Paul continued to face opposition and needed reassurance in the face of more hostility. God spoke to Paul in a vision confirming his mission and reminding him that he was not alone. God was with Paul in his work and there were others in the city who stood beside him too. (vs 9-10)

 Reading the Bible today it is very difficult for us to see Paul as anything other than a giant of the Christian faith – the great evangelist, a kind of spiritual super-hero. But as we watch him here, he represents for us all those people of faith who have tried to navigate change, to discern God’s will in changing circumstances, and who try to find enough courage to keep going when so much seems to be going against them. Paul was finding his way here, and needing assurance that this way was also the way God was leading. Perhaps it is good for us to realise that even the greats need reassurance sometimes.

To Ponder:

• "Do not be afraid, but speak and do not be silent" (v. 9)  Sometimes silence is the more comfortable option. When have you considered silence, but spoken up anyway?
• In the passage we hear of a number of people who Paul works alongside and the Lord assures him “there are many in this city who are my people.” (v.10) Who are your partners in the work that God asks you to do?

Prayer:

Loving Lord, make me sensitive enough to your Spirit that I may discern the path you ask me to take, and not too sensitive to the objections of those who seek to lead me in a different way. Amen.