Our scripture this morning is 2 Corinthians 1:18-22.
But as surely as God is faithful, our message to you is not “Yes” and “No.” For the Son of God, Jesus Christ, who was preached among you by us—by me and Silas and Timothy—was not “Yes” and “No,” but in him it has always been “Yes.” For no matter how many promises God has made, they are “Yes” in Christ. And so through him the “Amen” is spoken by us to the glory of God. Now it is God who makes both us and you stand firm in Christ. He anointed us, set his seal of ownership on us, and put his Spirit in our hearts as a deposit, guaranteeing what is to come.
Paul reminds us of God’s faithfulness and how we can always trust His promise. God is the source of all good, and while He may tell us “no” to protect us from evil, in Christ His answer is a resounding “YES”. Yes, we are forgiven; yes, we are saved from sin; and yes, we are called to be part of His kingdom work.
Paul shares that while he and Silas and Tmothy are the messengers of God, they are fellow servants with us. All have been blessed by God with spiritual gifts to be used for the good of His people. We show our love and thankfulness to God through loving one another.
In verse 22 we are told “He anointed us, set his seal of ownership on us, and put his Spirit in our hearts as a deposit, guaranteeing what is to come.” This is His promise to us that we are beloved children with a responsibility to uphold. Like the apostles of that day, we have a mission to accomplish, to spread the Gospel everywhere.
Gracious God, thank You for the blessing of our Lord Jesus and faithful followers who labored to share the Good News. Stir us up for service in our world, that all may come to You. Amen.