Scripture Reading(s)
2 Corinthians 4:3-6
4:3 And even if our gospel is veiled, it is veiled to those who are perishing.
4:4 In their case the god of this world has blinded the minds of the unbelievers, to keep them from seeing the light of the gospel of the glory of Christ, who is the image of God.
4:5 For we do not proclaim ourselves; we proclaim Jesus Christ as Lord and ourselves as your slaves for Jesus’ sake.
4:6 For it is the God who said, “Let light 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 Chris
Reflections
In their case the god of this world has blinded the minds of the unbelievers, to keep them from seeing the light of the gospel of the glory of Christ (2 Cor 4:4)
We forget sometimes that there is a power in this world that wants us all to fail. He is called the “father” of this world by Jesus. Indeed, Satan currently has authority in this world to lead people away from God. We must remember that we are not going to be unchallenged in our walk with Christ. We will be tested.
But it is also important that we remember that we have some level of responsibility for our own sins. James, the brother of Christ, said,
Each person is tempted when they are dragged away by their own evil desire and enticed. Then, after desire has conceived, it gives birth to sin; and sin, when it is full-grown, gives birth to death. (James 1:14-15)
We must continually walk in the Spirit and seeks God’s guidance at all times.
Paul was arguing against all kinds of accusations that he had been breaking a false gospel. It is so amazing to see how he continues to stand up for Christ and yet the focus is not on himself but on Christ alone.
I love the imagery of darkness being drowned out by light. Through our everyday lives, Christ’s light is to be reflected in our thoughts, deeds, attitudes, and responses. Furthermore, all of what we do to reflect Christ is supposed to point back to Him and the Glory all goes to Him.
Paul was not walking around with a boastful heart or filled with the need to draw attention to himself. The whole point of preaching the gospel was to point back to Christ and all that He’s done for us. Paul was merely a vessel chosen to spread the good news of Christ. His main goal was to let the world know that it is God alone who saves and who creates a change in our hearts and transforms us to be sources of light in a dark world.
“Then Jesus again spoke to them, saying, “I am the Light of the world; he who follows Me will not walk in the darkness, but will have the Light of life.” (John 8:12) Having that same light, let us not hesitate to spread the love of Christ. Christ being the true source of light enables us to also be His vessels and tools to spread the joy of Christ to all those around us.