Dear Friends of "Dial Daily Bread,"
Not only are we living in what we have always said is "the shaking time," but more than that: we are living in the time when everything possible is being shaken furiously. Is there an absolutely necessary truth that must be held onto, even at the cost of life?
The Bible says, Yes! Clearly so, in 1 Corinthians 13: "Though I [or anyone] speak with the tongues of men and of angels, but have not [the love which is] agape, I have become as sounding brass or a clanging cymbal" (vs. 1). A brilliant mind and ready speech may cover a lack of essential truth. This brilliant mind may explain the prophecies: "And though I have the gift of prophecy, and understand all mysteries and all knowledge, ... but have not [the love which is agape], I am nothing" (vs. 2).
We have come to the time when 1 Corinthians 13 itself has become a prophecy! Almost overwhelming in its power of deception is the moving of mountains "by [supposed] faith," where there is an alarming lack of faith (vs. 2). And we can "bestow all [our] goods to feed the poor, ... but have not love [agape]" (vs. 3); it's only pride. This agape is deeper than giving "goods." Or even giving physical life.
The apostle John agrees with Paul when he says that "God islove [agape]" (1 John 4:8), and "[anyone] who does not love [with agape] does not know God."
Is there confusion? No, not a trace: this is the solid building block of Bible truth. It's what Paul meant when he told the Corinthians, "I determined not to know anything among you except Jesus Christ and Him crucified" (1 Cor. 2:2). In other words, agape.
Obedience to the law is included, for only "agape is the fulfillment of the law" (Rom. 13:10). So it's not sentimental emotionalism; love is being crucified with Christ, with joy and gratitude for the privilege of fellowship with Him.
--Robert J. Wieland
From the "Dial Daily Bread" Archive: September 17, 2007.
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