Readings:
Micah 5-7
2 Corinthians 2

Micah 5-7

The opening verses today should be instantly clear to anyone with familiarity of the gospel of Matthew. First of all the king is struck with a rod, which instantly reminds us of our thorn crowned king being abused before his death, and then the second verse is exactly what was quoted to the wise men when the inquired in Jerusalem when the king of the Jews was to be born.

There’s more talk of a coming restoration that will draw in peoples from all over the world and the walls of this new kingdom will be enlarged. The book ends with a confident assurance of not only a restored kingdom, but a time when the sins of the people will not only be forgiven, but also cast away and not counted against them.

2 Corinthians 2

Continuing his explanation of why he didn’t visit on his return trip, Paul says that he never meant to cause them any pain, and he was aware of the discomfort that everyone felt so he was letting things cool down before coming back around.

Verses 5-10 seem to hint at the painful visit possibly being caused by a single person. Some biblical experts say this is the man from 1 Corinthians 5 who was excommunicated, others say it was one of the followers of the heretical teachers that Paul called out in his first letter. Either way, Paul is urging the people to forgive and welcome this person back into fellowship with them.

Tomorrow’s Readings:
Habakkuk 1-3
2 Corinthians 3