that is, in Christ God was reconciling the world to himself, not counting their trespasses against them, and entrusting to us the message of reconciliation. [2 corinthians 5:19]
let’s be honest, there are about 1,700 ways we could go with this text today. there’s so beautiful depth here. but as i sit here on friday morning writing this, thinking about connecting this verse to the presence of God, there is one truth that sticks out to me above everything else.
we cannot bring the message of reconciliation to others if we do not know it ourselves.
it’s impossible to describe the feeling of freedom that comes from not having your trespasses held against you unless you know that feeling yourself. it’s impossible to tell someone what it’s like to be intimately near to God unless you are yourself. of course, you can talk about the facts, but you can’t share the experience.
so i want to encourage you into two things today. first, dig into reconciliation with the Lord. really, truly, ask him to reveal to you anything that would cause your relationship with him to be broken. then, confess those things and experience anew what it is like for the Lord to draw you near to himself. celebrate that reconciliation.
second, ask the Lord for opportunities this week to share with people how you have experienced reconciliation. when he answers this prayer, the hope would be that sharing isn’t a chore or a task, but rather an outpouring of the reality you have experienced yourself. challenge, celebrate with, and encourage others as is necessary.
the message of reconciliation we have been entrusted with is a crazy grace. both to share it with others and experience it ourselves. praise the Lord for the sacrifice he has made to reconcile the world to himself!
~ keith kozlowski