NOW

2 Corinthians 6:1-2

As we work together with him, we urge you also not to accept the grace of God in vain. For he says, 'At an acceptable time I have listened to you, and on a day of salvation I have helped you.’ See, now is the acceptable time; see, now is the day of salvation!

Reflection:

Paul has set out, in the first five chapters of 2 Corinthians, what he understands his ministry to be about. He has explained how it is the very grace of God that urges him on so that he can endure all of the sufferings that being an apostle brings. Now, he turns his attention to the Corinthians.

He is encouraging them also to engage in the work of the Gospel, with just as much diligence and dedication as he himself has given. This is what he means when says, "We urge you also not to accept the grace of God in vain." The gifts of God are free, but they aren't cheap. They come with a responsibility to share.

He then quotes Isaiah, highlighting his own belief that it is in Christ that ALL of God's promises are coming to fulfillment. This is why, in the beginning of 2 Corinthians, we hear Paul make the statement that "in Christ, every one of God's promises is a 'yes.'"

Now, that great, cosmic "yes" comes through us and our lives in the world. See, NOW (not 2000 years ago, but December 13th, 2016) is the appropriate time – now is the day of salvation. May we be ambassadors and agents of God's grace today.

Prayer: God of unbounded love, let your grace flow to me and through me today. Amen.