Job 23-27 / 2 Corinthians 1:12-2:11 / Psalm 41 / Proverbs 22:5-6
I know you’ve met that person who is indecisive or insecure, and perhaps several other “ins” could be used to describe them. Maybe you’ve also been that person who has a hard time deciding, especially when you have a choice between two very good options. As a quick decision-maker myself, I tend to get frustrated with those who waver. I’m aware I could make a wrong choice, but after I’ve considered, prayed, and asked for wise counsel, I would rather make a choice a move on.
2 Corinthians 1:19-20 For Jesus Christ, the Son of God, does not waver between “Yes” and “No.” He is the one whom Silas, Timothy, and I preached to you, and as God’s ultimate “Yes,” he always does what he says. For all of God’s promises have been fulfilled in Christ with a resounding “Yes!” And through Christ, our “Amen” (which means “Yes”) ascends to God for his glory.
Of course, God, being God, would not waver between a yes or no answer. Jesus Christ, who is also God, will not waver when a decision is required. It’s interesting to me that verse 19 calls Jesus “God’s ultimate yes”. It’s also interesting that all of God’s promises were fulfilled in Christ with a resounding “Yes!” Finally, our “amen” or “yes” goes up to God for His glory. I think we need a little word study and additional context for these two verses to gain a little more information.
Paul, Silas, and Timothy were the three men who established the church in Corinth, Greece. After establishing the church, all three men moved on in their journeys presumably leaving the church in the hands of capable men. However, after their departure others came in whose teaching caused the church to question Paul’s apostolic authority over the church. This is a very short summary of what has happened up to this point.
As Paul continues to attempt a defense, it appears that among other issues his ability to keep promises is being questioned because he changed his mind about a visit. I’m sure that was only the tip of a very large iceberg. It’s hard to find exact information from reading commentaries so some of this is supposition. If Paul’s character is being called into question, he is willing to take this to task by reminding those he taught that the message and the messenger would have been one and the same.
If Paul’s message was that God’s promises could be fully trusted and realized through Jesus Christ, it would be assumed that those who brought the message could also be trusted. When the text states that God’s promises are “Yes!”, it is telling us that there is a strong affirmation and certainty behind this word.
If the promises of God are “yes” and “amen” in Jesus Christ, it’s important we know that Jesus said of Himself that He was the first and the last, the beginning and the end, the Alpha, and the Omega. All things begin and end with Him, and those things which He has begun in us will be completed by Him. (Philippians 1:6)
We can trust God, His Son Jesus Christ and His Word given to us in scripture. It is right for us to watch the life and character of the men and women who are bringing to us teaching from God’s Word. If the character does not match the message, don’t necessarily throw out the message (unless it is also false), consider what to do with the messenger.
You certainly want to submit yourself to leaders who hold the utmost integrity in life because who they are will influence who you become. If you want to maintain an honest life, be led by those who lead an honest life. We really are affected by and become like those who mentor and teach us. So, choose wisely when choosing who you will allow to speak into your life. I would dare to say that having the Apostle Paul speaking into our lives is well worth the time!
