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God's Reconciling Love

Reflections on 2 Corinthians 5:18

In this verse we have on of the most amazing statements in the Bible; in fact it has to be one of the most incredible statements of all time;  'God was in Christ reconciling the world to himself...  and he has committed unto us the ministry of reconciliation.'

Its significance lies within the greatness of the need and the apparent inability of humainity to accomplish reconciliation. In fact, the original aggrieved party, God, who had been rejected by humanity, took the initiative to provide the way, so that 'in Christ, all of the fullness of the Godhead dwelled bodily.'  Thus in a very real sense, God fully identified with humanity and shared in our sorrows and suffering; and in a very real sense God bore our sin, our judgement, our punishment, and our death so that the relationship could be fully restored. Then we are able to enter into the second part of the reconciliation process, and work with God in drawing all things back to himself, or restoring the world's brokenness; i.e. healing relationships between people, cultures and nations, and even participating with God in the healing of the relationship between humanity and the natural world.  And as God was in Christ 'reconciling the world' so also Christ is in us in the ministry of reconciliation. 

All this means that the message of Easter is the biggest deal on the planet.  As individuals who have been reconciled to God, we have the opportunity of being part of this world changing process initated by God.  Have you ever wanted to change the world but have thought of yourself as too insignificant to do so?  Christ offers you the opportunity to join with him and millions of others who are already actively making a difference.

Love & prayers, Rev. Dave.