Rhapsody of Realities 9 April 2020 Devotional By Pastor Chris Oyakhilome
TOPIC: We’re Christ’s Epistles
SCRIPTURE: You yourselves are our letter, written on our hearts, known and read by everybody (2 Corinthians 3:2 NIV).
OUTLINE: When you study the verse above in the Amplified Classic Version, you’d notice a bit of difference. It says, “[No] you yourselves are our letter of recommendation (our credentials), written in your hearts, to be known (perceived, recognized) and read by everybody.” Notice the underlined phrase; in the NIV and the KJV, it says “our hearts” while the Amplified says, “your hearts.” Why is there such a difference?
Rhapsody of Realities 9 April 2020 Devotional By Pastor Chris Oyakhilome
When the translators work, they don’t always focus on all the points that are required. Sometimes, they focus on principle, context, message or pure language. It depends on what their vision was and their readiness to review complexities in the text. When you find some complex areas, what you need is the ministry of the Spirit to really give you guidance. The verse above is a complex area; not the verse itself, but the truth packaged therein; it’s such a powerful reality, but a bit complex. It says, “…you yourselves are our letter of recommendation (our credentials), written in your hearts…” (AMPC).
Now, when you read the epistle of Paul to the Corinthians, for example, you probably got excited at the truths. But that was a written epistle; and here the Bible says you’re a living epistle, known and read by everybody; a letter from Christ! This is amazing. Who is Jesus? He’s the living Word; the Word who became flesh. To be Christ’s epistle, therefore, means you’re Christ’s Word in flesh, and Christ’s Word is God’s Word.
So, you’re the Word of God in flesh. Some people can’t handle this with their religious mind, but it’s simple to understand when you realize that in life, everything gives birth after its kind: dogs give birth to dogs; humans give birth to humans; the Word gives birth to the Word. 1 Peter 1:23 says, “Being born again, not of corruptible seed, but of incorruptible, by the word of God, which liveth and abideth for ever.” As offsprings of the Word, we’re the epistles (word) of Christ. Hallelujah!
CONFESSION
I’m born of God; therefore, I’m a living epistle, a letter from Christ, known and read by all. I live the life of the Word, full of glory, virtue and honour. I express the divine nature, living the Kingdom life of victory, prosperity, peace and joy now and always, in Jesus’ Name. Amen.
FURTHER STUDY
John 1:12-14; 1 Peter 1:23; 2 Corinthians 3:3
1 YEAR BIBLE READING PLAN
Luke 12:1-21; Judges 7-8
2 YEAR BIBLE READING PLAN
Romans 8:29-39; Psalm 114-115