2 Corinthians 4:17 (NIV)
The Holy Bible : New International Version. electronic ed. Grand Rapids : Zondervan, 1996, c1984
Serving the Lord and spreading the good news of Jesus Christ is not always easy. In the United States we may speak freely of Jesus and have no fear of retribution. But elsewhere in the world, that is not necessarily the case. It is sad but true that even today, 2000 years after Jesus walked the Earth, people can still be imprisoned or killed for his sake. Yet the telling of the truth must go forward just as it did in the days of Paul.
In the passage before us today (7-12), Paul speaks of the fact that on behalf of Jesus he had endured and continued to experience persecution. He then speaks of the certainty of his convictions that he will share in the victory of Jesus and of the purpose of his suffering.
In our study verse (v17) Paul teaches us to keep the right perspective on the troubles that currently vex us as we labor on behalf of Jesus Christ. Though he endured severe punishments, the likes of which we shall never endure, he refers to them as "our light and momentary troubles." This reminds us that no matter what we endure in this life, it is nothing compared to the torment of eternity in Hell. It also reminds us of the impermanence of this life and that our time here is short.
He further teaches us that any suffering we endure in the here and now are really investments with the gains to be realized at a future date. "For our light and momentary troubles are achieving for us an eternal glory that far outweighs them all." To me this speaks of something akin to a retirement plan. A steady investment over time yields much larger returns later.
By implication, this verse speaks of another side to this coin as well. There are many who face troubles. Some will respond as Paul and labor now for the delayed gratification that is sure to come. Yet others will give up and abandon their post which while convenient now, greatly diminishes the true rewards that come much later.
With this understanding, there are two points to bear in mind. First, we should not give up doing what is right in our labors for Christ. Secondly, though difficult to continue in faithful service now, the future rewards completely outweigh any present suffering.
We should then not only redouble our resolve to remain steadfast in our service to God but we should also reach out to and encourage one another to not give up. This reminds me of Hebrews 10:25 wherein we are taught "let us encourage one another-- and all the more as you see the Day approaching.
"The Day" is indeed approaching and there is much remaining to be done. Pick up your tools and continue to push forward in your service to God. Remember that at the appropriate time, in season, you will reap a bountiful harvest in the kingdom of God.
Shalom,
Carl
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4 comments:
So good to have your devotional blogs back. And PTL for your time at Camp T.
Let me respond to one passage you quoted ...
With this understanding, there are two points to bear in mind. First, we should not give up doing what is right in our labors for Christ. Secondly, though difficult to continue in faithful service now, the future rewards completely outweigh any present suffering.
We should then not only redouble our resolve to remain steadfast in our service to God but we should also reach out to and encourage one another to not give up. This reminds me of Hebrews 10:25 wherein we are taught "let us encourage one another-- and all the more as you see the Day approaching.
And it is also the mssage of Galatians 6: 9 as well. We will only reap what we so, even if it means sowing the light of Christ in the midst of darkness or the seeds of the faith on hard ground.
Indeed these are the times spoken of in Heb. 10: 25, so we must do all we can to share our good works as the light of Christ as spoken of in Matt. 5: 16 ... <'BB><
Oops, ... that's "reap what we SOW" not "so" ... ;>) wrb
Galatians 6:9 was one of the primary teaching verses at camp this year. I "shied" away from it because I didn't want anyone to accuse me of being lazy by re-using camp material!
:)
Of course, Gal 6:9 didn't contain the "encourage one another" aspect that I wanted drive home. Regardless of that, you are absolutely correct!
I love how these verses (Heb 10:25 and Gal 6:9) reinforce one another.
Don't think anyone would/could accuse you of being academically or spiritually lazy, my friend.
But AMEN to the compatibility of the Heb. 10 and Gal. 5 passages!
<'BB><
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