Scripture:
II Corinthians 4:1-7 NKJV
[1] Therefore, since we have this ministry, as we have received mercy, we do not lose heart. [2] But we have renounced the hidden things of shame, not walking in craftiness nor handling the word of God deceitfully, but by manifestation of the truth commending ourselves to every man’s conscience in the sight of God. [3] But even if our gospel is veiled, it is veiled to those who are perishing, [4] whose minds the god of this age has blinded, who do not believe, lest the light of the gospel of the glory of Christ, who is the image of God, should shine on them. [5] For we do not preach ourselves, but Christ Jesus the Lord, and ourselves your bondservants for Jesus’ sake. [6] For it is the God who commanded light to shine out of darkness, who has shone in our hearts to give the light of the knowledge of the glory of God in the face of Jesus Christ. [7] But we have this treasure in earthen vessels, that the excellence of the power may be of God and not of us.
Observation:
After all the years of studying the bible. It has become ingrained in my spirit. It’s part of who I am, and honestly, I couldn’t imagine life without it. Everything that goes on throughout the world is filtered through the lens of the scripture. How does it line up where does it fit in the prophetic clock? The bible is my news source. I actually love it because in its pages, I found the love of Jesus. The love that changed my life. HE used HIS living word to light a fire in my soul that seems to burn everywhere I go. As I look at the ministries that HE has placed me in, sometimes it’s easy to start to get a little discouraged. You see people rise up and fall back down. I believe that’s why it’s important to keep scriptures like 2 Corinthians, chapter 4, in our minds and hearts. If anyone knew what it was like to feel discouraged, I was Paul. Especially looking at the church in Corinth. A church that needed a lot of correction. But it was the ministry that Paul was given. He was set aside to strengthen and encourage churches to truly understand the living word of GOD. His ministry was not the easiest, and he knew he would have to rely on the one who revealed HIMSELF on that road to slaughter those he was now working with to encourage. You see after his life and the things he was taught as a young Jewish boy he knew how easy it was to mishandle the scriptures and how important it was to make it known who it was that was working through them. Verse 2 in today’s reading is pretty deep. We have already discussed part of it as far as mishandling GOD’S word and twisting its meaning. The phrase, “Renounced the hidden things of shame,” I believe means we have turned away from a life of sin and turned to a life where Jesus Christ is our LORD. The phrase, “but by manifestation of the truth, we commending ourselves to every man’s conscience in the sight of GOD,” I believe, means that we consider what others may think about what we are doing. Verses 3 and 4 are heavy hitters as well. As I was studying out this scripture, I feel like some of the good stuff in it was glanced over by those who wrote on it. What I believe Paul is saying is that the light of Jesus Christ reveals sin in our lives. HE exposes the things that need to change. The gospel is veiled to those who are perishing. It seems to mean those who don’t fight the good fight who don’t make some kind of effort. Those who use the grace of GOD as a license to remain a slave to sin and not change or who think that the works they do will get them there. What Paul is saying is that it’s 100% Jesus HE will shine a light in the life and expose sin. Then give you grace to change it. Verse 5 is a key to all of this. “We do not preach ourselves, but Christ Jesus our LORD and, ourselves as bondservants.” The keywords are “LORD” and “BOUNDSERVANTS” A LORD calls the shots, and a bondservant is a willing servant. A slave you might say that has chosen to stay a slave. But not a slave to sin… instead, a slave to righteousness through the light of Jesus in their lives. Verse 6 explains that GOD has commanded that light to shine in your life. HE chose you. Verse 7 exposes that HE is the treasure our lives are fragile clay jars. The ministry that HE has given us is that of a changed life. Allowing Jesus Christ to shine through us.
Application:
The moon is a reflection of the sun. Every bit of life that is shown by it is not a light source of its own it is the light of the world. Also known as the SON. The way the world has been created was without mistake. Every piece of it tells the gospel. All the way down to the way the moon reflects a light source that is not its own. It’s all about HIM every part of the book every breath of life you take is a reflection. A reflection of who’s you are. The question is what do you do when the light shines into your life? How do you respond? Do you get mad and run from it or do you embrace what is said and make the necessary changes? I want my life to reflect the SON. I want HIM to be seen. Nothing in this world is about me. I have been purchased as a bondservant. A willing participant. The changes HE has made are welcomed. My old life renounced and this new life HE died for embraced. As HE continues to refine restore redeem and rebuild me that is the ministry HE has given me. A changed life by the light of the world. Jesus Christ. 2nd Corinthians chapter 5 and verse 17 says Anyone who is in Christ is a new creation the old is gone and a new man stands before you. That verse is a key point of the gospel. HIS power is to change lives through HIS grace. HE meets you where you are, but HE doesn’t leave you there. That’s why we walk with Jesus. When HE called the disciples what did HE say? Stay here I will be right back??? NO HE said follow me, and I will show you how to bring others along with us. The power of a changed life. People can see it. It stands the test of time. It continues to shine in dark times. The changes that are made in those dark times are to stand even stronger. Not to cower back. Our job as believers is to be the moon and reflect the SON. Letting HIS light shine not only in us to change us through HIS grace but through us so that others can see HIS work that has been done. Longevity is the key. Long obedience in the same direction. Keep moving forward. You may stumble, but press on. It’s not over until HE comes back. When you stumble, get back up. That is what grace is for. It’s not so you can fall short. It is for when you fall short despite your efforts not to. Let your light shine so that others can see and give GOD glory for what HE has done in your life.
Prayer:
Father, all we can do is thank you. What you have done for us is something we could not have done on our own. You have chosen us to be a reflection of who you are. Help us to do just that. Shine the light of your son through us. Molding us like the potter that you are. Help us to continue to be willing participants in the challenges you are making in us. We do not want to be found lukewarm or even clod. Fan into flames the callings you have given us. Help us to identify the ministries you want us to move forward on. We want to see your word as the only source of information that will make any difference. Because we know that to be true in our lives. All we want is to reflect that in a manner that brings you the utmost glory. What an amazing GOD and Father you are. It’s in the mighty name of Jesus we pray amen.