December 16, 2022
5 Now he that hath wrought us for the selfsame thing is God, who also hath given unto us the earnest of the Spirit.
6 Therefore we are always confident, knowing that, whilst we are at home in the body, we are absent from the Lord:
7 (For we walk by faith, not by sight:)
8 We are confident, I say, and willing rather to be absent from the body, and to be present with the Lord.
9 Wherefore we labour, that, whether present or absent, we may be accepted of him.
10 For we must all appear before the judgment seat of Christ; that every one may receive the things done in his body, according to that he hath done, whether it be good or bad.
11 Knowing therefore the terror of the Lord, we persuade men; but we are made manifest unto God; and I trust also are made manifest in your consciences.
12 For we commend not ourselves again unto you, but give you occasion to glory on our behalf, that ye may have somewhat to answer them which glory in appearance, and not in heart.
13 For whether we be beside ourselves, it is to God: or whether we be sober, it is for your cause.
14 For the love of Christ constraineth us; because we thus judge, that if one died for all, then were all dead:
15 And that he died for all, that they which live should not henceforth live unto themselves, but unto him which died for them, and rose again.
16 Wherefore henceforth know we no man after the flesh: yea, though we have known Christ after the flesh, yet now henceforth know we him no more.
17 Therefore if any man be in Christ, he is a new creature: old things are passed away; behold, all things are become new.
18 And all things are of God, who hath reconciled us to himself by Jesus Christ, and hath given to us the ministry of reconciliation;
19 To wit, that God was in Christ, reconciling the world unto himself, not imputing their trespasses unto them; and hath committed unto us the word of reconciliation.
20 Now then we are ambassadors for Christ, as though God did beseech you by us: we pray you in Christ’s stead, be ye reconciled to God.
21 For he hath made him to be sin for us, who knew no sin; that we might be made the righteousness of God in him.
We jumped out of St. Mark again because today is Ember Friday. Ember days come in groups of three days – Wednesday, Friday, and Saturday. They occur four times a year.
15 And that he died for all, that they which live should not henceforth live unto themselves, but unto him which died for them, and rose again. There is so much information in these verses (which, of course, can be said of the entire Bible!) but 15 stands out to me. “… not live unto themselves, but unto him …” How? How can we do that? It’s easier than you might think; every morning, as your eyes are opening, thank Him for another day. If doing Morning Prayer is difficult because you have to get the kids ready for the day and yourself out the door, you can say the Lord’s Prayer as you’re making breakfast or as you’re putting your clothes on. Say your favorite grace before meals. If you’re up early enough, thank Him for the beauty of the sunrise sky or the twinkling stars at night. If traffic is good that day, thank Him; if the traffic is bad that day, pray for patience.
The point is, make Him a part of your every day life. Imagine Him next to you as you go through your day – like your best friend, you can talk to Him all day long. That’s how we ‘live unto Him’.
Words on the Word 