EmmDev 2016-08-24 [Treasure in Clay Pots (2Cor)] Persuader?

Persuader?

Since, then, we know what it is to fear the Lord, we try to persuade others.      (2Corinthians5:11)

Yesterday we looked at Paul's "fear" of the Lord and concluded that it was a holy or intimate fear that stemmed from his incredible appreciation for the cross and what had been accomplished there. The convergence of righteousness and love in the perfect storm that was the cross fills Paul with such awe and respect that he can never domesticate God - God's ways and God's love are relentless and beyond our grasp.

We "fear" because when it comes to love and justice we are an ant in a hurricane. And we fear letting this love go. We hang on to God for dear life even though His magnificence completely overwhelms us.

And this is why we try to persuade others.

Our faith is not a nice sentiment or useful crutch.
If God were "tame" - completely understandable and predictable - then He would be a "god" that we make in our image. Instead, He is wild and unexplainable. Not safe - but good.

In the next few verses Paul will take us to his key phrase:
"We are convinced that one died for all, and therefore all died."

The enormity of this action makes us want to tell others:
"Come and find a wild and radical God who is bigger than us."
"Come and meet a Saviour who gave more than we can imagine."
"Come and meet a God whose immensity in Majesty, Justice and Love will explode our brains and be more than we will ever need."

This is our God:

• Not an inconsistent and egotistical Roman god.
• Not a powerless pagan statue.
• Not the empty pursuit of power or wealth.
• Not superstitious attempts to pacify pantheons of petty gods through endless sacrifices and fasts.

But a majestic God whose love is bigger and more passionate than we can even imagine!

There is a direct correlation:

• The more we "domesticate" God, the more we try to have Him all figured out - the less we talk about Him.
• The more we fall at His feet and awe-struck worship - the more we talk about Him.

I know what I want to do...

---