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For we do not proclaim ourselves; we proclaim Jesus Christ as Lord and ourselves as your slaves for Jesus’ sake. 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. 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. We are afflicted in every way, but not crushed; perplexed, but not driven to despair; persecuted, but not forsaken; struck down, but not destroyed; always carrying in the body the death of Jesus, so that the life of Jesus may also be made visible in our bodies. 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. So death is at work in us, but life in you. (2 Corinthians 4:5-12)
Dear Friend, I truly trust this finds you well. And blessed, not stressed. But if you are stressed and feeling that it is one of "those weeks," I pray that today's Bible passage and devotional speak to your heart and spirit in a positive way!
Being a Christian is not easy; and truly it has never been. But stop to consider the stress and real threat of death that our early Christian brothers and sisters felt during Paul's day. The idea of a foreign religion that was not in line with emperor worship meant death. And the Romans had entertaining ideas of how to kill those who opposed them. The Colosseum in Rome served as a key place to display Roman might against the helpless, and many a Christian met their death in that arena. Yet, the stresses and pressures of our day are no laughing matter for some. Paul writes in a loving way, that within those of us who have invited Jesus in as Lord and Savior, we have a great treasure. We hold that treasure in our bodies, which Paul compares to clay jars. All this, Paul says, to show that it is not us, but God living in us gives us power to endure and persevere. Then his famous list that I believe describes us, yes even me, and even you, dear one, from time to time:
Affliction, in all forms; okay, but not crushed. Pereplexity; maybe, but not despair (And if you are in despair, keep reading and keep praying!). Persecuted; sometimes, but not ever alone! Struck down (embarrassed or harassed); but not destroyed.
Our baptism showed our spiritual acceptance of Christ's death as our death so that His life might shine through us, even in the midst of the above. Christ is that constant hope on the horizon that keeps us going ever forward and upward. Remember that sailors teach that feelings of seasickness can be eased by focusing on the horizon; for us that is Christ with us as our horizon.
Dear Reader, please remember we are not alone. Jesus is with us. We may feel down, but Jesus is our up. If you feel you're in a dark place, Jesus is the light and way out! Remember that the extraordinary power in our lives is God's, who makes all things new!
PRAYER: Heavenly Father, You more than anyone know what we face and we place ourselves in Your loving hands. I ask a special blessing on this dear reader at this very moment, asking that Your extraordinary power shine through Your presence on whatever challenge or obstacle is the affliction in their life. In Christ Jesus I pray, amen.
Have a great and blessed day in the Lord! You are the flashlight some really need to see today!
Eradio Valverde
