Observation: Paul is talking logistics to the Corinthian church about a special collection for the impoverished church in Jerusalem. He mentions sending Titus, one of his proteges, their way, along with a very gifted preacher who is not identified. No one knows who it is, but tradition holds it is Luke, the Gospel writer.
Application: After five days with thousands of young people from Lutheran congregations all across the US, I'm reminded more than ever that words have power. The gifted speakers, each with an inspiring story of God's love, grace and hope, deeply affected me and probably thousands of others. They opened up conversations that otherwise would not have happened, hard as that may sometimes be. As I reflect on the power of their words, and on the churches Paul and his partners built from nothing using only God's powerful Word, and on God's word himself, Jesus, I am reminded: never underestimate the power of the right word at the right time and place.
Prayer: God, thank you for words. For their power to connect our hearts and minds to one another. For God's power to use them in connecting to us. Thank you most of all for your word incarnate, Jesus Christ our Lord, who died and lives for us. Amen.
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