April 8, 2022 (Lent Week 5)

 


2 Corinthians 4:1-12

The Light of Christ’s Gospel

4 Therefore, since we have this ministry, as we have received mercy, we do not lose heart. 2 But we have renounced the hidden things of shame, not walking in craftiness nor [a]handling the word of God deceitfully, but by manifestation of the truth commending ourselves to every man’s conscience in the sight of God. 3 But even if our gospel is veiled, it is veiled to those who are perishing, 4 whose minds the god of this age has blinded, who do not believe, lest the light of the gospel of the glory of Christ, who is the image of God, should shine on them. 5 For we do not preach ourselves, but Christ Jesus the Lord, and ourselves your bondservants for Jesus’ sake. 6 For it is the God who commanded light to 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.

Cast Down but Unconquered

7 But we have this treasure in earthen vessels, that the excellence of the power may be of God and not of us. 8 We are hard-pressed on every side, yet not crushed; we are perplexed, but not in despair; 9 persecuted, but not forsaken; struck down, but not destroyed— 10 always carrying about in the body the dying of the Lord Jesus, that the life of Jesus also may be manifested in our body. 11 For we who live are always delivered to death for Jesus’ sake, that the life of Jesus also may be manifested in our mortal flesh. 12 So then death is working in us, but life in you.


In this season of humbleness and sacrifice, we get ready to renew our Lord Jesus, Our Bright And Morning Star's full manifestation of glory by journeying with him when he is crowned king, betrayed from a loved one, arrested as though he is a lawless man, and put on death row. Although dead, He raises, ascends to glory and becomes justice. This is what we have come to know as Easter.

I reflect on 2 Corinthians 4:1-12, a scripture that describes Jesus Christ’s ministry. It is given to the world through God’s mercy in his son Jesus Christ so that people will know the true meaning of love, life and purpose and where a foundation of holiness can be established.

Ministry is described best within the ones that have been given a new life, godly guidance, and vision. They are born into a new life to do right from wrong and let go of the things that conspire against an Upright life.

A life of humility and sacrifice.

It is important to reflect on these attributes as it is these very qualities that create a living church were God can be found. The true foundation of ministry.

Our Lord Jesus commands us to “love one another just as I have loved you”, which is an example of the sovereign governance of ministry.

Very recently, a dear friend of mine of 25 years received tragic news she is terminally ill. To her surprise and everyone close to her, as tragic stories go, all were struck with absolute shock. To accept news of a woman that lived an active, healthy and vibrant life and now learn she has cancer on her spine, lungs, kidney, and breast, where does one go with all this?

When life makes no sense, this is the time too truly ground oneself in ministry or go deeper. The Father, The Son, and Holy Spirit can also be found through people, place and time, known as the Servants of God, House of God, and God Himself. The Alpha and the Omega. The beginning and the end.

Ministry, through the House of God reenacts God’s life on earth through His Son our Lord Jesus Our Bright And Morning Star as told by the Holy Bible.

Ministry, through Servants of God inmates a holy life and bring his light out into the world to show faith, hope and love.

Ministry, through God Himself yields oneself in prayer and thanks given, fasting and renewal, and songs of praise to declare life beyond death.

Although, the world holds many different cultures, races and languages, Ministry is where diversity can meet and be the hand of compassion and show God with Us in all life circumstances as shown in 2 Corinthians 4:1-12. 

 

- Ruth Provost  

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