Controlled and Compelled.

Because the COC parking lot is a nightmare these days, I decided to run to the nearby Starbucks so that I could get my caffeine fix and return quickly and early to campus. I am convinced that Starbucks is the place where nearly all ministry happens. So naturally, I busted out my bible and journal. Who doesn't love "coffee and the Word!"?


I started reading 2 Corinthians 5 because I have been wondering and praying over the question, "Am I in love with the idea of ministry in Africa or the God who does and is doing His ministry there?" Is my motive the "fear of the Lord" (2 Cor. 5:11) and the "love of Christ" (2 Cor. 5:14)?


It's not like I have not read these verses before. They were not unfamiliar. But this time they were captivating. The whole epistle is full of gems and morsels for the soul! When reading the letter in the context of being "salt and light", being a "go-er or a faithful, active sender" you have to ask yourself, "Why not?! How could I not?! Why haven't I?!"

"For the love of Christ controls us, because we have concluded this: that one has died for all, therefore all have died; and He died for all, that those who live might no longer live for themselves but for Him who for their sake died and was raised.

From now on, therefore, we regard no one according to the flesh. Even though we once regarded Christ according to the flesh, we regard Him thus no longer. Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, he is a new creation. The old has passed away; behold, the new has come.

All this is from God, who through Christ reconciled us to Himself and gave us the ministry of reconciliation; 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. Therefore, we are ambassadors for Christ, God making His appeal through us..." 

It's beautiful. The light has shone on our hearts to give the light. We have been reconciled and now given the ministry of reconciliation. 


Previously, when I studied this book I looked with a small, narrow lens so focused on perseverance through suffering (which is a huge theme). I missed things. I missed promises of God in the text. I missed the call to service even in spite of suffering. "All the promises of God find their Yes [in Christ]." We can be bold because "with unveiled face, [we behold] the glory of the Lord, being transformed from one degree of glory to another." We can rest in knowing that despite our struggle with sin and sanctification, "He who has prepared us for this very thing is God, who has given us the Spirit as a guarantee." So, so, so many more gems to find encouragement, conviction, purpose, and Christ. Go read it.


I am not one of those feel-y, emotional, mystical, magical Christians. I don't particularly like when people use vivid illustrations or symbols to talk about their faiths or relationships with God. The "I felt the peace of God come to me during [some trial] and His warmth radiated through my body" stuff. Or the "Heaven meets earth like a wet sloppy kiss" junk. 


So when I say, "God met me at Starbucks today," I don't think it's a small thing. The Word of God is living and active and met me in that place--a Starbucks with a mind obsessed with missions. That was no serendipitous coincidence that I would read that portion of Scripture that morning. It was God revealing Himself to me in my workout clothes and running shoes in a crowded coffee place. Me, in my sinfulness, my blatant disobedience, and my filthy rags-righteousness. 


Creator God not only cares but He meets me, a creature, way down here.
Amazing love, How can it be?!