My Daily Meditation
Today’s Reading
The Second Epistle to the Church at Corinth
Chapter 4:1-6
1 Therefore, seeing that we have this ministry, as we have received mercy, we faint not: (a)
2 But have cast from us the cloaks of shame, and walk not in craftiness, neither handle we the word of God deceitfully: but in declaration of the truth we approve ourselves to every man’s conscience in the sight of God. (b)
3 If the Gospel be then hid, it is hid to them that are lost.
4 In whom the god of this world hath blinded the minds, that is, of the infidels, that the light of the glorious Gospel of Christ, which is the image of God, should not shine unto them. (c)
5 For we preach not ourselves, but Christ Jesus the Lord, and ourselves your servants for Jesus’ sake.
6 For God that commanded the light to shine out of darkness, is he which hath shined in our hearts, to give the light of the knowledge of the glory of God in the face of Jesus Christ. (d), (e)
(a) Editor’s thought - In the NKJ translation in place of we faint not, the words we do not lose heart are used. One is reminded herein of Luke 18:1, where Jesus says to His disciples that men should pray so that they do not lose heart. Taking it further, we should seek God, via prayer and supplication, that we would continue in His perfect light.
(b) Editor’s thought - There exist today those who would use the Gospel to further their own ends. This is wherein in a previous chapter Paul speaks on the merchandising of Christ’s Gospel.
(c) Editor’s thought - Re: vss 3-4 - Those who hear the Good News preached, and are resistant to it. Whose hearts are hardened, eyes are blinded, and ears are stopped by the god of this world, (Satan), and all the trappings that ensnare mankind. By which one says, I am in no need of God, or there is no God. I live my life my way, and fear not God. These are they who are perishing and either refuse to see it or reject it outright.
(d) Editor’s notation - Re: vs 6 - Read Matthew 5:14-15
(e) Editor’s thought - Just as Jesus declared Himself to be the light of the world (John 8:12, John 9:5, 11:9-10), so must we also be a light to those who’ve not been so enlightened by God’s Word, and the Gospel of Jesus Christ. Remember, Jesus is the first fruit of the Gospel of Salvation, and we are likewise heirs in that salvation. We are to be as He is, walking in righteousness as imputed to us through His sacrifice. Let our light be one of peace and humility. Humbleness, as likened to a servant that faithfully serves his beloved Master. By this way, our actions speak much more louder than just plain words. We are to light the way for others to find the pathway to God’s mercy and grace, and plan of redemption.
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