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5 For we do not proclaim ourselves; we proclaim Jesus Christ as Lord and ourselves as your slaves for Jesus' sake. 6 For it is the God who said, "Let light 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 clay jars, so that it may be made clear that this extraordinary power belongs to God and does not come from us. 8 We are afflicted in every way, but not crushed; perplexed, but not driven to despair; 9 persecuted, but not forsaken; struck down, but not destroyed; 10 always carrying in the body the death of Jesus, so that the life of Jesus may also be made visible in our bodies. 11 For while we live, we are always being given up to death for Jesus' sake, so that the life of Jesus may be made visible in our mortal flesh. 12 So death is at work in us, but life in you. (2 Corinthians 4:5-12 NRSV Bible)
Some find it easy to seek attention to themselves and all that they do or about to do. Paul is speaking directly to all of us when he begins this passage with the truth: If we proclaim ourselves, what good does that do? It may cause some to say, "What a great gal she is!" or "Man I wish I were like him!" But nothing really good comes from following other humans. We all have our faults and weaknesses and nothing eternal comes from anyone following us. But if we live a life that shares Jesus as Lord and us as His servants and beloved followers, then it is a blessing that will come to all who see Jesus in us. God said, Paul quotes, "Let light shine out of darkness," as He was creating the world and Paul borrows that to apply it to Jesus, for in Jesus can be found the true Light of the Glory of God as found in Jesus can bring life to us. We all hold that treasure within our bodies, that Paul likens to clay jars, so that people will realize it is clear that the extraordinary power found within us belongs to God and not us. Further, Paul says, it is why we have gone through so much and find ourselves still standing. We have all faced affliction in every which way it is served, but we have not been crushed by it. We have been perplexed, but that hasn't driven us to despair. We have been openly or secretly persecuted, but that has not forsaken . We have been struck down, but that has not destroyed us; we still carry onward with the death of Jesus in our bodies, so that the life of Jesus may be made visible in our bodies. For as long as we are alive, we will continue to be offered up to death for our faith in Jesus, so that others may have life because they see in us Jesus alive and well. Why? Because the power within us is not our own—it is God's power working in and through us.
Paul beautifully illustrates the paradox of the Christian journey: in embracing the death of Jesus, we find life. As we share in Christ's sufferings, His life becomes visible in us. Our mortal bodies become a canvas upon which the resurrection power of Jesus is displayed for all to see.
PRAYER: Heavenly Father, thank You for the gift of Your light shining within us. Help us to remember that our strength and endurance come from You alone. When we face trials and difficulties, may Your power sustain us and Your light guide us. Teach us to embrace the paradox of finding life in embracing the death of Jesus, knowing that in our weakness, Your strength is made perfect. May Your life be visible in us, drawing others to Your saving grace. In Jesus' name, we pray, Amen.
Have a great and blessed day in the Lord. HERE IS YOUR CALL TO ACTION: Consider the trials and challenges you are currently facing. How can you allow God's power to sustain you through these difficulties? Seek moments of surrender, acknowledging your weakness and inviting God's strength to work in and through you. Look for opportunities to let God's light shine through your life, illuminating the darkness around you and pointing others to the hope found in Jesus Christ.
I love you and I thank God for you!
Pastor Eradio Valverde, Jr.
