2 Cor.5:13 – “If it seems we are crazy, it is to bring glory to God. And if we are in our right minds, it is for your benefit. Either way, Christ’s love controls us.”
Lord Jesus, what a great image—Paul and his companions were considered crazy by those in the world. But from heaven’s perspective they were controlled by your love. Oh, to be certifiably crazy like this. Not merely warmed, grateful, or deeply inspired—but controlled, constrained, and compelled by your love for us—it’s height, depth, width, and breadth. Grant it, Lord.
2 Cor.5:14 – “Since we believe that Christ died for all, we also believe that we have all died to our old life.”
What defines your love and explains Paul and his friends’ “craziness”? It’s your cross, Jesus, and it’s glorious implications. When you died, we were co-crucified with you, and raised to newness of life (Gal.2:20, Rom.6:4-5). Your death was our Judgment Day, for you took our sin and gave us your righteousness. This is the Gospel, and it humbles and gladdens us.
2 Cor.5:15 – Jesus “died for everyone so that those who receive his new life will no longer live for themselves. Instead, they will live for Christ, who died and was raised for them.”
It also frees us to live and love to your glory, Jesus. May that increasingly be true of us, Lord. As we grow in our love for you, may we obsess less about what others think of us, and ponder creative ways to love our family, friends, and neighbors—even our enemies, in your name. Make us that “crazy” Jesus. So Very Amen.