S.Scripture | For our momentary, light affliction is working out for us an eternal weight of glory far beyond all comparison, while we look not at the things which are seen, but at the things which are not seen; for the things which are seen are temporal, but the things which are not seen are eternal. 2 Corinthians 4:17–18
O.Observation | This section of the letter to the Corinthian church teaches that unbelief is blindness. Those who do not trust in the Lord are blind, because they cannot see the truth (v.3-4). The ministry of the truth is not about the ministers, but “Jesus Christ as Lord (v.5).” Because of this, even suffering and death can be walked through for Him (8-12). Such afflictions are called “light” by Paul, who had experienced for more afflictions then most will ever know (2 Cor 11:16-33). If God’s grace could give Paul a different view of sufferings, how can it not give us such a view? What view? That our afflictions are incomparable to the glory of what is to come for those who trust in and bow to the Lord Jesus Christ. So that if we have Jesus, we have something so great to look forward to it makes our afflictions like mole hills in the shadow of the greatest mountain of the glory of being with the Father in Heaven!
A.Application | We have to remember, that we are not Paul. Yet, each one who truly knows Jesus as Savior and Lord has a ministry just like Paul. Our ministry is to those in our home, our workplace, our neighborhoods. Whoever we encounter. And the afflictions the Lord addresses here, are hardships that arise from boldly calling for biblical faith and repentance. Such ways of believing and living are far from the ways of the world today. It’s way out there. Willingly suffering in order to share the truth of scripture is the an ancient path compared to the current social norms and political correctness. “All those who desire to live godly in Christ Jesus will be persecuted (2 Tim 3:12).”
Whats to come is what we have our eyes continually set on. Those who have true faith have no reason to be alarmed by what we see happening around us or even to us. In the worst of times, we have hope, peace and joy because we look to what we can only see with a confident trust in the Lord and His Word.
P.Prayer | Father, I confess I look often at what I can see in the flesh. Open my eyes to what I cannot see and let me fix my life on those things. You, Your Son, your Spirit in me. The judgement of accounting, treasure in heaven, eternity in your glory, the fruit of the Spirit, and my knowing You. Fill my attention and life with all that is of you and for your glory alone. Amen.
