"And He has committed to us the message of reconciliation." II Corinthians 5:19b
Somewhere early in school, I was taught to never begin a sentence with the word "and." Later in school I learned that there are some exceptions. Obviously, this is one of them. When dealing with the Bible and using English grammar rules, you just have to be careful for at least two reasons.
1.) The original language of the Bible is not English. For the New Testament it is Greek. When translating the sentence structuring and order of words can get really interesting. If you want a real faith challenge sometime, go to the site studylight.com Then find the Greek Interlinear Translation and look up a familiar verse and start tracking the definitions of words in the original language. Wow! What an eye-opener this can be. It probably trumps English punctuation rules.
2) Consider that Paul's effort here is one of setting this thought apart for us to consider. Besides, much of the paragraphing, verse and chapter numbers and punctuation stuff is added later. With accurate Bible Study methods these factors don't really affect translation or content. So much for all of that, what about what it says?
Paul is reminding us that Jesus Himself committed to us the message of reconciliation. The message of the gospel. The Good News. Christ has reconciled us to God, if we receive that message. As soon as we do, we must then share that message. Our salvation is not just 'fire insurance' or our 'ticket to heaven' it is the purpose of our lives to share the good news of reconciliation and if people already know Him, to share the message that they too are reconcilers. You have two commitment options today, either 'get saved' or 'get the message of salvation out'. Get reconciled or be a reconciler. Which do you need today. Choose! I am going to be more of a reconciler. People are very conflicted with God and need to make peace or make a commitment to spread the peace. Let's get the Word out!
In His Service with you,
Pastor Fred
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