Read 2 Corinthians 4:13-18
Have you lost heart when you’re competing, working, or just living because situations or events seem to go against you? I know I have lost heart at times of stress or disappointment. Lately, as I age, I’ve realized the grinding nature of time itself on our lives and bodies. We are literally wasting away. It seems disheartening to the point of immobilization. Today’s passage gives us perspective on our life journey trials.
After speaking earlier in 2 Corinthians 4 about the loving work of Jesus and His death on the Cross which brought salvation, our belief leads us to the power of the resurrection. Paul directs us to the results of Jesus’ resurrection and the grace that overflows from it.
Despite our outward issues and problems, Paul reminds us that our hope isn’t in our present circumstances but rather in the results of the resurrection and the power that brings full transformation inwardly while we “fix our eyes” on the permanency of God’s eternal glory. If we focus on what is wrong with us or our situation, we are bound by earthly events and schemes. But that is not God’s intent or plan according to Paul’s letter. The intent is for us to live abundant, reconciled lives in Him which flow from His delivery of salvation through the Cross and the power of living in His resurrection. We can live reconciled and renewed in our relationships with those around us and in our environments.
How can we not have hope after receiving the Gospel of the Cross and the power and glory of His resurrection?! So, despite our earthly weakness and troubles, which are characterized as momentary, we have the hope of God’s presence and eternal glory. Those disappointments or troubles are achieving for us the eternal glory which outweighs our trials.
Rest in that hope. Act in that hope. Live in that hope.
For Reflection:
- What circumstances or troubles weigh on you that turn your eyes away from resurrection power? What can you do to remember the eternal hope you have at those times?
* Place a donkey near Mary. She may have ridden a donkey to Bethlehem, because she was so close to having a baby. Years later, Jesus Himself would ride a donkey into Jerusalem. Kings usually rode on proud horses, but because Jesus was a gentle king, he chose to ride a simple donkey.
by David Bier
