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So much in life can seem irreconcilable.
The differences between an estranged couple. Opposition parties in the House of Commons. Our way of life and the future of the planet.
At times the chasm just looks too wide to bridge.
Let’s rewind to the ancient city of Corinth. Relations between the city’s first Christians and the Apostle Paul had hit an all-time low. Paul wrote to them, seeking consensus and clarity.
His entire mission was, in his own words, a ‘ministry of reconciliation’ (2 Corinthians 5.18). He preached that through the sacrifice of Christ, God had reconciled the irreconcilable, bridging the gap between himself and humanity.
Perhaps you feel that this world is beyond hope. Or you worry that you have messed up to a point of no return. Paul insists that there is a way back: for you and me, and for the world at large.
Christ bore your sin and mine, but the gospel is not just about you, me and Jesus. Calvary was a battleground with evil, full stop. The letter to the Colossians puts it this way: ‘God was pleased to reconcile to himself all things, whether on earth or in heaven, by making peace through the blood of his cross’ (Colossians 1.20, NRSV).
You could say, the ministry, death and resurrection of Jesus mark the point in history where evil lost its grip on the world. Granted, evil is still kicking and screaming. But it won’t go on for ever. Which is why the crucified Jesus was able to say, ‘It is finished’ (John 19.30).
Neither you nor I, nor the rest of humanity, are beyond redemption. The evil within and around us is no match for God’s determination to reconcile us to himself. All you and I need to do now is to accept the offer of reconciliation.
This reflection was written by Michael Pfundner, from the Publishing team at Bible Society.
If you have two minutes: Listen to the audio reflection and ponder how it might be relevant in your life.
If you have up to ten minutes: Read the Bible passage and listen to the audio reflection; you might want to keep a small journal, or note on your phone, to jot down words and phrases that jump out at you. Finish with a brief prayer to put what you have read and heard into practice.
What if I miss a day(s)?: Don’t worry, life happens! Just pick up the devotional again on the current day, and, if you wish, you can use the space for reflection on Sundays to listen to those reflections you may have missed.
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