2 Corinthians 4:1-5, 13-18 (NIV)
Therefore, since through God’s mercy we have this ministry, we do not lose heart.Rather, we have renounced secret and shameful ways; we do not use deception, nor do we distort the word of God. On the contrary, by setting forth the truth plainly we commend ourselves to everyone’s conscience in the sight of God.And even if our gospel is veiled, it is veiled to those who are perishing.The god of this age has blinded the minds of unbelievers, so that they cannot see the light of the gospel that displays the glory of Christ, who is the image of God.For what we preach is not ourselves, but Jesus Christ as Lord, and ourselves as your servants for Jesus’ sake.
It is written: “I believed; therefore I have spoken.” Since we have that same spirit of faith, we also believe and therefore speak, because we know that the one who raised the Lord Jesus from the dead will also raise us with Jesus and present us with you to himself.All this is for your benefit, so that the grace that is reaching more and more people may cause thanksgiving to overflow to the glory of God.
Therefore we do not lose heart. Though outwardly we are wasting away, yet inwardly we are being renewed day by day.For our light and momentary troubles are achieving for us an eternal glory that far outweighs them all.So we fix our eyes not on what is seen, but on what is unseen, since what is seen is temporary, but what is unseen is eternal.
Reflection:
Romanian pastor Richard Wurmbrand spent 14 years in prison for preaching the gospel. Although his captors smashed four of his vertebrae and either cut or burned 18 holes in his body, they could not defeat him. He testified, “Alone in my cell, cold, hungry, and in rags, I danced for joy every night.” During this time he turned to a fellow prisoner, a man he had led to the Lord before they were arrested, and asked, “Have you any resentment against me that I brought you to Christ?” His response: “I have no words to express my thankfulness that you brought me to the wonderful Savior. I would never have it another way.”
These two men possessed a deep joy that shined even through severe persecution.This joy, rooted in the reality of the glory of God, was prophesied in Isaiah 35 and imparted to them by the Spirit; and because of this, they were able to fix their eyes on what is unseen, the eternal.
Responding to Transmission:
Whenever we face life difficulties or opposition from others, we too can live in this same deep joy.And as we believe and fix our eyes on the unseen (the eternal), we can receive strength and not lose heart.God’s Salvation, which brings strength for today and hope for tomorrow, lasts forever.Therefore, we don’t have to be defeated by life circumstances.
Let’s reflect upon the wonderful work that God has done in our lives and then spend time in prayer and thanksgiving, worshipping our Lord.May this Salvation joy arise in our hearts through all times!
