“For God who commanded the light to shine out of darkness, has shined in our hearts, to give the light of the knowledge of the glory of God in the face of Jesus Christ. But we have this treasure in earthen vessels, that the exceeding greatness of the power may be of God, and not of us” (2 Cor 4:6-7).
We have the gospel in fragile vessels, so that God may be glorified in saving us. It is NOT a teaching of self-strength; the gospel declares a God who saves sinners and does everything by His power.
First, we have learned Christ by the power of God who shined light into our darkness. In the beginning, just as He created the heaven and the earth, He created us anew in regeneration, forming us into His children. He caused the light of knowledge to shine, so that we know God.
Satan had us bound by lies, thinking God was appeased by our efforts, though stained with sin. We say, “It is the best I can do”, and we expect God to accept it, though it is vile and unthinkably below Him (Mal 1:7-8). Yet, God REVEALS the law is so strict that my sins deserve death, and there is nothing I can do to honor God who demands perfection. And, then, BLESS His holy name! He shows the glory of His Son’s blood, as He died for us, taking away our sins, and earning heaven predestined unto us. He reveals Christ being GRACIOUS to sinners and giving men eternal life for their sins (Is 61:3). 2 Cor 4:3-5 says, “But even if our gospel is veiled, it is veiled to those who are perishing, 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. For we do not preach ourselves, but Christ Jesus the Lord, and ourselves your bondservants for Jesus’ sake“.
Secondly, having learned the gospel, we keep learning it by trouble. The problems of today cast us down, but not out. They destroy SELF-confidence, but they lead us to a faithful God who saves us freely and miraculously. I must see myself WEAK, so I can see how strong He is, so that I praise Him heartily, instead of taking His name in vain, saying “right things” from a spirit of flesh. No, He conquers us and shines this light upon hearts TROUBLED with pain, broken with woe, and grieving the impact of sin - “We are hard pressed on every side, yet not crushed; we are perplexed, but not in despair; persecuted, but not forsaken; struck down, but not destroyed–– always carrying about in the body the dying of the Lord Jesus, that the life of Jesus also may be manifested in our body. For we who live are always delivered to death for Jesus’ sake, that the life of Jesus also may be manifested in our mortal flesh. So then death is working in us, but life in you. And since we have the same spirit of faith, according to what is written, ‘I believed and therefore I spoke,‘ we also believe and therefore speak” (vs8-13).
God makes us see His graciousness, even as He came to the disciples when they were in the storm. He walks upon the storm of our trials, having full omnipotence and absolute control over them. And, He speaks peace to us, saying, “Be of good cheer; it is I; be not afraid” (Mark 6:50). He receives us freely, so we receive Him. Then, we taste the power of peace, worship Him from the heart, and tell of His greatness SINCERELY (2 Cor 4:13). The power of the fleshly confidence is broken for the song of heartfelt praise.
Third, God reveals that we’re SAVED to save others. We’ve endured and been comforted to comfort others by the comfort that we’ve received. Now, we’re better able to SERVE by the tears, and service - making us like Christ - is pleasing to God, honors His glory as many are saved, and brings us and many to peace - “knowing that He who raised up the Lord Jesus will also raise us up with Jesus, and will present us with you. For all things are for your sakes, that grace, having spread through the many, may cause thanksgiving to abound to the glory of God” (vs14-15).
Lastly, look, Oh child of God, at the promises of heaven, and keep yourself in God’s love, rather than pondering your woes unduly. Keep eyes on the promises, the wealth of the invisible God bequeathed to you by blood, and the heavenly hope will outweigh the grief of the light and temporary affliction - “Therefore we do not lose heart. Even though our outward man is perishing, yet the inward man is being renewed day by day. For our light affliction, which is but for a moment, is working for us a far more exceeding and eternal weight of glory, while we do not look at the things which are seen, but at the things which are not seen. For the things which are seen are temporary, but the things which are not seen are eternal. For we know that if our earthly house, this tent, is destroyed, we have a building from God, a house not made with hands, eternal in the heavens“ (2 Cor 4:16-5:1).
Compared to what you have in Christ, what you must weep over now is small and short-lived. You will be in heaven, and your current tears are strengthening your witness, improving your prayers, and transforming you into someone who can help others abide in God’s love also.
One of the greatest people I’ve ever met, Linda Stalnaker, was dying of cancer when we met, only to pass a couple of months later. She had been a rock in her home, and by the way that she died - obtaining mercy, day by day, to live honorable and glorifying to God in her witness - was used to strengthen many. This woman’s four children all came to faith in Christ AFTER she passed away. I’ve spoken to one or two who said, “We leaned on her so much, that after she was gone, we knew we needed God. She wasn’t there.” Thus, God made her an example in death, and made her a witness to Christ by her absence, helping her family by tears she didn’t want to shed and a grave she would have chosen to postpone.
No comments:
Post a Comment