Home > Reading > The Daily Lectionary – August 21, 2016

1corinthians13-11

Judges 16:15–31; 2 Corinthians 13:1–13; Mark 5:25–34

“Can I get a witness?” This is a powerful lyric that appears in many songs of rock-n-roll lore. When the singer offers this phrase with his hand in the air, the audience responds with equal fervor. In 2 Corinthians 13, Paul is looking for a witness. In fact, he is looking for two or three. This chapter is often referred to as Paul’s “final warnings” because disagreements have emerged among the Christians of Corinth. Therefore, Paul has issued a warning, a call for examination and witnesses to address important matters. Yikes! He boldly speaks of weakness and failure. Yikes again! Yet the power of God in Jesus Christ is spoken more boldly: The power in God’s presence, the power to serve God, and God’s power to build up. Ah! That is better. The love and peace of God empower us to speak as one, not as many against. Can I get a witness?

Prayer: When our disagreements stir emotions and shake our unity, we ask you to interfere with your bold compassion that we may be one with you and be a witness to your power. Amen.

Today’s devotion was written by Ken Reed, Pastor of Concordia Lutheran Church, China Grove, NC.