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May It Be So

May It Be So

Words of Faith 8-17-17

Dr. Jeffrey D. Hoy © 2017

Jeff.Hoy@faithfellowshipweb.com

Faith Fellowship Church - Melbourne, FL

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1 Corinthians 16

   [21] I, Paul, write this greeting in my own hand.

   [22] If anyone does not love the Lord--a curse be on him. Come, O Lord!

   [23] The grace of the Lord Jesus be with you.

   [24] My love to all of you in Christ Jesus. Amen.

 

       Paul was now ready to take the pen to append a greeting and sign the letter, as was his practice. This was a mark of the letter's authenticity. Up to this point he had dictated the letter to an amanuensis, a fancy Greek term for a secretary. Now, as Paul closed with his own handwriting, he punctuated this marvelous letter with a few final points.

       If anyone does not love the Lord--a curse be on him. This was not a harsh condemnation but rather a strong warning. The curse, "anathema", meant that the person who chose to not respond to the love of God was to be delivered over or "devoted to the divine displeasure" under the wrath and curse of God. As John wrote-- "Whoever believes in the Son has eternal life, but whoever rejects the Son will not see life, for God's wrath remains on him" (3:36). Without Jesus and His love, there is no hope. Period.

       But there is hope! Paul immediately made the declaration of hope when he cried out, "Marana tha". These Aramaic words came to be used in the early church and that can best be translated "Our Lord, Come." This is the cry of hope among all who receive and trust in Him. Our Lord, Come.

       The grace of the Lord Jesus be with you. This was far more than an obligatory Christian sign off. This was a benediction. Paul expressed his blessing upon the brothers and sisters. May the grace of the Lord Jesus be with you. May grace follow you all the days of your life. May grace pursue you in the hard times and comfort you in the struggles. May the grace of the Lord Jesus ever be your friend and your compelling motivation.

       If the grace of the Lord Jesus is with us, we have all that we need in every situation. We have all that we need to shape us, temper us, mold us, heal us and forgive us. His grace is sufficient for His power is made perfect in weakness.

       And on a personal note... My love to all of you in Christ Jesus. As their spiritual father in Christ Jesus, Paul wanted the whole Corinthian church to know that, in spite of the stern way in which he had to rebuke them, he really loved them. Paul had been direct and tough, but the tenderness of his heart for the believers came to the surface in this last line.

        Amen. The word is of Hebrew origin and literally means "properly firm". Paul declared that these things were properly firm-- trustworthy and solid. But Amen also means "so be it". May these things be so. May they come to pass. May these blessings, teachings and exhortations come to pass.

 

     Father God, give me the grace of the Lord Jesus. Pursue me, captivate me, heal me, empower me, propel me, shape me and complete me by Your grace. May it be so. In Jesus' Name.