1 Corinthians 12:27-13:13 Most people are familiar with this passage of Scripture. It is often used in wedding ceremonies and often referred to as the “Love Chapter.” Chapter 13 of 1 Corinthians has much to say about love, but because of its familiarity we often miss the rich depth of this passage. After reading this passage one day, I asked the Lord a simple question that I have always wondered about. I asked Him why faith, hope and love last forever. In response to my question, I heard with my spiritual ears the following: “Faith, hope and love last forever because they are the eternal soul of Jesus Christ. Your soul consists of mind, emotion and will. Jesus also had a soul, but His soul was without sin. He had no lusts, even though He felt what it was like for you to be tempted. He was touched with the feelings of all of your weaknesses. His mind, however, was filled with faith; His emotions were anchored by hope, and His will was controlled by love.”
As I meditated on what I heard in my spirit that day, I began to recall scriptures that confirmed this Word to me. I thought about the times Jesus was moved with compassion upon the people. His will was always to do the will of the Father, and God is love. His will was always controlled by love. Jesus felt all the emotions we feel, but He never lost hope. His hope was firmly anchored in the purpose for which He had come. He knew He would provide the way when He died on the cross and was resurrected to secure permanent hope for all mankind. The moment the veil of the temple was rent, God threw out the anchor of hope from His throne room, and now we all have the hope of eternal life and fellowship with the Father always. Jesus never doubted His destiny. He had faith always that the will of the Father would be accomplished in His life. His destiny was to become sin for us. Yes, the one who knew no sin at all would become sin for our sakes that we might be delivered from the power of sin in our lives.
Daily we are being conformed to the image of Christ as we cooperate with the Holy Spirit in this process. Our destiny is to have a soul like that of Jesus. The Holy Spirit is transforming us by the renewal of our minds as we read, hear and obey God’s Word. Faith is ever growing in our minds and hearts. The Holy Spirit is constantly reminding us that our hope should always be placed in Jesus. It is our hope of eternal life that provides the anchor for our emotions when the seas of life get rough. The Holy Spirit prompts us to humble ourselves and surrender our wills by casting every care upon Jesus. When we do this, the Holy Spirit is able to shed abroad in our hearts the very love of Jesus Christ. Is it well with your soul today? Are you cooperating with this marvelous transforming power of the Holy Spirit? Today is a good day to pray:
Lord, mold me and melt me. Make me after Thy will while I am waiting, yielded and still. AMEN.
READ: Esther 8:1-10:3; 1 Corinthians 12:27-13:13; Psalm 37:1-11; Proverbs 21:23-24
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