So that the life of Jesus also may be manifested in our mortal flesh.

2 Corinthians 4:1-12 from the daily reading in the One Year Bible

Therefore, since we have this ministry, as we received mercy, we do not lose heart, ² but we have renounced the things hidden because of shame, not walking in craftiness or adulterating the word of God, but by the manifestation of truth commending ourselves to every man’s conscience in the sight of God. ³ And even if our gospel is veiled, it is veiled to those who are perishing, ⁴ in whose case the god of this world has blinded the minds of the unbelieving so that they might not see the light of the gospel of the glory of Christ, who is the image of God. ⁵ For we do not preach ourselves but Christ Jesus as Lord, and ourselves as your bond-servants for Jesus’ sake. ⁶ For God, who said, “Light shall shine out of darkness,” is the One who has shone in our hearts to give the Light of the knowledge of the glory of God in the face of Christ.

⁷ But we have this treasure in earthen vessels, so that the surpassing greatness of the power will be of God and not from ourselves; ⁸ we are afflicted in every way, but not crushed; perplexed, but not despairing; ⁹ persecuted, but not forsaken; struck down, but not destroyed; ¹⁰ always carrying about in the body the dying of Jesus, so that the life of Jesus also may be manifested in our body. ¹¹ For we who live are constantly being delivered over to death for Jesus’ sake, so that the life of Jesus also may be manifested in our mortal flesh. ¹² So death works in us, but life in you.

We can clearly see that what Paul speaks about in today’s text is evident and happening today. He says:  If our gospel is veiled, it is veiled to those who are perishing,  in whose case the god of this world has blinded the minds of the unbelieving so that they might not see the light of the gospel of the glory of Christ, who is the image of God.  For we do not preach ourselves but Christ Jesus as Lord, and ourselves as your bond-servants for Jesus’ sake.  For God, who said, “Light shall shine out of darkness,” is the One who has shone in our hearts to give the Light of the knowledge of the glory of God in the face of Christ.  It seems almost impossible that so many people are blinded to truth. They not only do not see the light of the gospel, but they actually substitute darkness for light. They celebrate what is evil, calling it good and they call good evil. They celebrate lawlessness and reject righteousness; law and order. They celebrate the killing of unborn babies calling it freedom of choice. They celebrate immorality and ridicule and despise morality.  In Isaiah 5:20 God says:  Woe to those who call evil good, and good evil; Who substitute darkness for light and light for darkness; Who substitute bitter for sweet and sweet for bitter!  Our cities, our schools and our society are filled with chaos and it is the choices of our culture and society, which have been blinded by the gods of this world, that are responsible for the woe.

We who believe; we who know the glory of God in the face of Christ. Must not be discouraged. We must be those who reveal that:  “Light shall shine out of darkness.”   In Matthew 5:14-16 Jesus says:  “You are the light of the world. A city set on a hill cannot be hidden; nor does anyone light a lamp and put it under a basket, but on the lampstand, and it gives light to all who are in the house.Let your light shine before men in such a way that they may see your good works, and glorify your Father who is in heaven.”  In today’s text it says: We have this treasure in earthen vessels, so that the surpassing greatness of the power will be of God and not from ourselves;  we are afflicted in every way, but not crushed; perplexed, but not despairing;  persecuted, but not forsaken; struck down, but not destroyed;  always carrying about in the body the dying of Jesus, so that the life of Jesus also may be manifested in our body.  For we who live are constantly being delivered over to death for Jesus’ sake, so that the life of Jesus also may be manifested in our mortal flesh.  So death works in us, but life in you.  It is not our responsibility to attempt to save unbelievers. Jesus fully accomplished what they need for salvation on the cross. He died once for all. In John 3:16 He says: “God so loved the world, that He gave His only begotten Son, that whoever believes in Him shall not perish, but have eternal life.”  There is nothing we can add to what Christ has done. In John 16:8-11 Jesus says:  “He (the Holy Spirit), when He comes, will convict the world concerning sin and righteousness and judgment; concerning sin, because they do not believe in Me; and concerning righteousness, because I go to the Father and you no longer see Me; and concerning judgment, because the ruler of this world has been judged.”  In Mark 16:15-16 Jesus says:  “Go into all the world and preach the gospel to all creation.He who has believed and has been baptized shall be saved; but he who has disbelieved shall be condemned.”   Jesus acknowledges that not everyone will believe. We are not responsible for the results of the truth and light of the gospel. We are only responsible to reveal the light of Christ. We are responsible for revealing the treasure of the glory of God in our earthen vessels.  We may indeed be: afflicted in every way, but not crushed; perplexed, but not despairing;  persecuted, but not forsaken; struck down, but not destroyed yet/, in John 16:33 Jesus says: “These things I have spoken to you, so that in Me you may have peace. In the world you have tribulation, but take courage; I have overcome the world.”   We who live are constantly being delivered over to death for Jesus’ sake, so that the overcoming life of Jesus also may be manifested in our mortal flesh, so that they might know the overcoming power of Christ for their life.

Thank You heavenly Father, Lord Jesus Christ and precious Holy Spirit that You have unveiled my eyes to see and know truth. Thank You that I am not responsible for what anyone else believes. Jesus Christ accomplished all that they need. The Holy Spirit is the one who convicts the world regarding sin and righteousness. May I truly live as light. May I speak and reveal the truth of the gospel, not being concerned that some will not believe, but rather may my life be a testimony of the overcoming power of Christ.  Amen.