"Moreover, when God gives someone wealth and possessions, and the ability to enjoy them, to accept their lot and be happy in their toil—this is a gift of God. They seldom reflect on the days of their life, because God keeps them occupied with gladness of heart." ~Ecclesiates 5:19-20
At some point in the middle of this past tour as I was reading my bible during an early morning quiet time, a single verse jumped out at me. The Lord used this single verse to bless, encourage, and fill me immensely, enough to last the remaining duration of the tour.
I've read this particular passage countless times before, but never before had the Lord so clearly spoke to me through it until recently. I love these times when the Lord chooses to spontaneously (it seems) overtake us with the revelation of his word. The verse that I am referring to in the AKJV bible version reads:
BUT, it was when I was reading the NLT version of the Bible, that comprehension of this verse came:
“ For I decided that while I was with you I would forget everything except Jesus Christ, the one who was crucified.”
~ 1 Corinthians 2:2
💗
I want to share with you how the Lord spoke to my heart through this verse BUT, disclaimer: what I share with you may be a little subjective. Also, I am no theologian.
BUT I do know Jesus! I do know his voice.
" My sheep listen to my voice , I know them , and they follow me ."
~ John 10:27
...And there is no denying what the Spirit was speaking to my heart about this scripture in that moment.
What I am about to share with you might even seem a little basic and elementary but for me, I feel like I am leveling up! I feel like I am leveling up in new understanding! If you are interested in my interpretation of this passage KEEP READING!
________________ It's just a little food for thought. ________________
Prior to this past month, whenever I would read 1 Corinthians 2:2 in the NIV, I would always just skim right past, never giving it much thought. I never really understood this verse or knew how it could be applied to my life. I mean?!?! Paul's goal seems pretty UNATTAINABLE.... to consciously know NOTHING OTHER than just Christ and him crucified?!?! I mean, come on!?
(Taking note of the context that Paul is describing his ministry when he makes his statement in 1 Cor. 2:2)
...But it wasn't until I was reading in the NLT version and came across the word "FORGET", that this scripture really began to resonate with me.
“ For I decided that while I was with you I would forget everything except Jesus Christ, the one who was crucified.”
~ 1 Corinthians 2:2
Perhaps this version of the scripture really resonates with me because I am so good at being forgetful?! 😆
Upon reading this verse in the NLT, the following question arose: "What exactly IS the 'everything' that Paul is talking about forgetting (so that I can forget it too!)?" It was then that the Holy Spirit brought clarity. I felt as if I was being challenged to identify everything within me that is NOT glorifying God; anything that is occupying "the front burner OR back burner" of my mind, or even "the throne of my heart" that shouldn't be there, and that these are the things I am to FORGET! 💡 So... I found that for me, the things I need to forget and know nothing of are all my anxieties, fears, doubts, and insecurities which no doubt can be stumbling blocks for me in doing ministry. The Holy Spirit showed me that I need to replace these things with the knowledge of Christ! 💡"
" ... For I decided that while I was with you I would forgeteverything except Jesus Christ ... " 💗
Now I don't think this scripture is encouraging us to empty out our minds in some kind of new-age fashion, but only that everything in our minds would be considered in light of Jesus Christ and who He is.
(I am just vomiting out my thoughts... I hope you are still tracking with me. )
The second part of this verse got me thinking as well! "...That I would forget everything except Jesus Christ, and him crucified...". It got me wondering, why exactly did Paul emphasize Christ's crucifixion? Why doesn't it say "forget everything except Christ and him born, or Christ and him resurrected..."? Surely the absence of Christ's birth and resurrection being mentioned in this verse is not meant by Paul to diminish all that was accomplished by them. Those events, as well as Christ's crucifixion, are all vital components to the wholeness of the work of the gospel. In my seeking God for the meaning of this, He led me to ponder on specifically what all was accomplished on that cross where Jesus died. He led me to ponder on what all was crucified on that cross along with Jesus as He cried, "it is finished". This is what I got:
By the death of Jesus on the cross, He made a way for ALL THOSE DISTRACTIONS (I mentioned earlier that I allow in, that cause me to stumble) to be put to death along with Himself!
At the cross, where Jesus was crucified, He made a way for all our sins to be crucified along with him enabling us to be reconciled to himself (that is, for peace to be made, to be brought near to him again). His work on the cross enables us also to be set free from the power of sin, and makes a way for us to walk in newness of life!
It was at the cross, where condemnation was banished and the curse that we deserved as sinners was destroyed and abolished!
It was at the cross, where Christ's humility is evidenced and brings us to humility!
It was at the cross, where Jesus went to convince us of His love for us and this is what compels us to be able to extend that same kind of love, grace, and forgiveness to others!
It was at the cross, where we are given worth, and doing nothing to even deserve it!
BAM!
1 Corinthians 2:2 packs a punch! So, when Paul says:
“ For I resolved to know nothing while I was with you except Jesus Christ and him crucified . ”
I can't just fly pass this scripture anymore. I Now understand that applying this verse and "knowing nothing, but Jesus Christ and Him crucified" looks like: meditating on the cross and all that it means and viewing all my life, ministry, and whatever and all circumstances in light of it.
Well, as haphazard as this post has turned out to be, I hope you were able to glean something from it? What do you think about 1 Corinthians 2:2? I would love to hear your thoughts! Comment down below and let me know what your favorite scripture is, and why! I would love to hear from you! God Bless!
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