Greeting One Another
9/24 Reading Portions: 2 Samuel 20; 2 Corinthians 13; Ezekiel 27; Psalms 75-76
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9/24 Reading Portions: 2 Samuel 20; 2 Corinthians 13; Ezekiel 27; Psalms 75-76
2 Corinthians 13:12
Greet one another with a holy kiss.
KISS
The kiss upon the cheek was, and still is, a common greeting in the east. When Judas Iscariot betrayed Jesus in the garden, he used this common greeting of fondness and affection as a sign to point out to the Sanhedrin guard who the Lord Jesus was among His disciples (Matt 26:48). In the original Greek, Judas kissed Jesus earnestly (Matt 26:49). In other words, the betrayer kissed cheek to cheek again and again until the Lord Jesus could be sufficiently revealed, subdued, and secured by those who came to arrest Him.
In Christ, this common greeting among believers has become most holy. Although Judas revealed Jesus with a common greeting, the revelation of Christ’s truth should be a holy celebration among believers each time we meet. Judas greeted the Lord in hypocrisy and betrayal. We, on the other hand, greet the in-dwelling Lord Jesus in fellow-believers with genuine love and affection. Judas used the greeting as a sign to reveal who Jesus was, and to ultimately send Him to the cross. We, contrariwise, greet Christian brothers and sisters to reveal the light and life of Christ in our lives because of His death upon the cross. Judas greeted Christ in greed; we greet one another by God’s grace in Christ. Whether our greeting to one another is an eastern kiss, a western handshake, or an affectionate hug, if it is done in Christ, it is a holy and glorious witness of Christ under heaven and upon earth. Hallelujah! What a merciful Savior!
With love and fondness we do greet
Believing saints in Christ:
A holy gesture when we meet,
Paid with a bloody price.