There is a lot to be seen in this chapter, but I want to look at the end of the chapter where Paul says, "If anyone does not love the Lord, let that person be cursed! Come, Lord!" The King James uses the words "let him be Anathema Maranatha." The ideas here can be debated, but my own thoughts, and from studying others, this seems to say that if someone does not love Jesus that they are delieved to a curse, but by adding Come Lord it gives ultimate authority for that person in the hands of the Lord. There can also be seen in this the idea of turning someone over to be excommunicated by the church, but turning it over to Jesus. Ultimately, the proclamation is saying that Jesus' coming will deal with the person. For me, this is a reminder that though I may have to let a person go that it isn't my job to bring judgment but Jesus'.
To leave on a more positive note, giving is seen in this chapter as something to be done with purpose and regularly. It is also to be handled by people under authority so as Paul says in other places, so that there can be no accusations of wrongdoing.
Photo by Alexander Grey on Unsplash
No comments:
Post a Comment