Though Israel’s situation is dire, they need to see it all through God’s perspective. That perspective is that this current affliction is not the whole story, but that God will again restore them. They must trust, turn, and follow Him, even though in exile.
God set us free from the power, penalty, and (in heaven) from the presence of sin. Yet, we often use that freedom in ways that do not honor God. Paul wraps up the discussion of meat sacrificed to idols by giving warnings, possible scenarios, and pointing to our ultimate purpose: glorifying God.
Just as Paul called them to give up their right to eat meat, so he shows he gave up his right to demand pay. He did this so that the gospel would be advanced. In fact, he always considers the best way to advance the gospel.
1 Corinthians 8:1-13
We often forget the power God has given to words, but “death and life are in the power of the tongue.” Realizing the potential power of words, we must learn when to be silent and when to speak.
Jesus’ command to love our enemies ultimately shows us that God is the type of being who loves His enemies. As we come to see and realize our rebellion against God and His love in spite of that, it will then drive us to love our enemies. This must always be done, but is especially needed today in our polarized society.
To exalt God we must listen, praise, and then act. If you remove any of those three are exaltation is deficient.
Two followers of Jesus (though not any of the 11 apostles) leave Jerusalem to walk to Emmaus. While discussing the various events surrounding Jesus’ last few days, Jesus comes up to them and begins talking with them. Their eyes are kept from recognizing Him, and as the story goes they move in their understanding (“sight”) of who Jesus is.
Jesus is clearly shown to be dead and buried. Though the four gospels do not always recording all that Jesus’ did, each one of them records His death and burial. As well, they each tell of Sunday morning and the rolled away stone, empty tomb, and visit of angels to the women. The response is not immediately believed by the disciples though, but rather they doubt it and consider it claims of nonsense.
The theme here is that Jesus was forsaken so that we might be accepted. Darkness is over the land for three hours and the veil of the temple is torn in two. The Centurion confesses that Jesus truly was the son of God, and Jesus commits Himself into His Father’s hands.