2 Corinthians 13; Psalm 52

2 Corinthians 13

This chapter contains Paul's final words to the Corinthians. He promises one more visit when he will come with God's truth and power.  In preparation for his coming, he asks them to examine themselves to be sure their faith is genuine. This is a kind of spiritual check-up. If we are spiritually healthy, we will have a growing sense of Jesus Christ's presence and power in our lives. v. 5

Paul goes on to say that he prayed that they (the Corinthian believers) would not refuse his and his companions' correction. He encourages them to make things right even before he and the others arrive. He prays for their continued maturing.  That's a good prayer for us too. Sometimes we need to be corrected in some way, and this should not offend us. All our lives we are to be growing and maturing in our faith. vv. 7-9

Then Paul gives his final greetings in vv. 11-14 and what great advice it is!

• Be joyful.
• Grow to maturity.
• Encourage each other.
• Live in harmony and peace.

"May the grace of the Lord Jesus Christ, the love of god, and the fellowship of the Holy Spirit be with you all."  2 Corinthians 13:14

Psalm 52
It's easy to be dismayed and even angry when evil people practice more and more wickedness and cruelty. This psalm promises us that God will judge evil people. Nothing escapes His notice.  The psalmist (David) says to them, "...God will strike  you down once and for all. He will pull you from your home and uproot you from the land of the living." v. 5 Their might and their wealth will not help them then. v. 7

David in vv. 8 and 9, compares himself to an olive tree. A healthy olive tree is a lush tree that thrives and lives a long time. Contrast this with the sudden destruction of the wicked. He (David) declares "I will always trust in God's unfailing love. I will praise you forever, O God, for what you have done. I will trust in your good name in the presence of your faithful people."

So we can learn from this. Don't fret or feel anxious when the news is filled with stories of hatred and violence and wars and all the rest. God sees all this, and He will judge perfectly in His time. Our job is to follow David's example--trust God and praise Him! And for a bonus do these things in the presence of God's faithful people who give us support and fellowship.