READ: 2 Corinthians 4:1-12
It is the God who commanded light to shine out of darkness, who has shone in our hearts. —2 Corinthians 4:6
The painting A Trail of Light
by Colorado Springs artist Bob Simpich shows a grove of aspen trees
with golden leaves lit by the autumn sun. The topmost leaves are
brilliantly illuminated while the ground beneath the trees is a mixture
of sunlight and shadows. The painter said of this contrast, “I can’t
resist the light filtered through to the forest floor. It weaves a
special magic.
The
apostle Paul wrote to the followers of Jesus in Corinth, “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” (2 Cor. 4:6). Paul goes on to describe the reality
of life in which “we are hard-pressed on every side, yet not crushed; .
. . perplexed, but not in despair; persecuted, but not forsaken; struck
down, but not destroyed” (vv.8-9).
There
are times when it seems that the light of God’s face is dimmed because
of our difficulty, sorrow, or loss. Yet, even in these dark shadows, we
can see evidence of His presence with us.
If
we walk in filtered light today, may we discover anew that God’s
light—Jesus—is always shining in our hearts. —David McCasland
Lord, shine the light of Your face on us that we may
find our way to Your salvation. Shine Your light into
the darkness that envelops our world that we may
see who You are and show others the way to You.
find our way to Your salvation. Shine Your light into
the darkness that envelops our world that we may
see who You are and show others the way to You.
In dark circumstances, God’s light is still shining in our hearts.
Insight
Despite
the high price Paul paid to remain faithful to God (2 Cor. 11:23-28),
he remained resilient and did not lose heart (4:1,14). He had been
sustained by God’s sovereign power and sufficient grace (vv.7-9) and
Christ’s resurrected life (vv.10-12).
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