A New Creation in Christ

2 Corinthians 4:1-62

Today, I will start at the end and work backward. I have found that the last verse today is one that comes to mind-and like most of what might come to mind from the Bible, I don't always remember where it is from. So, in this case 2 Corinthians 6:2 says: Behold, now is the favorable time; behold, now is the day of salvation.

And when we back up from that we see this:
"In a favorable time I listened to you,
and in a day of salvation I have helped you."

The verse I like is even better with the one before it. being listened to and helped is certainly what everyone wishes for. Now, if this is the end of today's reading, what does the rest of it say, and how do the earlier verses lead us to this conclusion?

Ahh, so it begins today by saying that this mercy-and the gifts I was talking about in yesterday's thoughts-as they are all gifts from God, help us not to lose heart. Paul says we do not lose heart, and "we have renounced disgraceful, underhanded ways. We refuse to use cunning or to tamper with God's word..."

We are to carry the light of Christ, of the Good News-the Gospel, and yet we are not see-through-we are made of clay; dirt-A-dam, well I got to pondering this idea, anyway, we are to carry the light but it is often hidden inside our less than transparent lives. And in these less than transparent lives we may have difficulties-well yes, I can admit that-But because of this hope and this light we are not overcome, and in this new life we can share the hope that springs out of not being overcome..."So that as grace extends to more and more people, it may increase thanksgiving, to the Glory of God." Yes, I can get on board with this.

And now even as we age ("waste away") we do not lose heart because at the same time we are being renewed in the Spirit. The things that are seen are transient, and the things that are unseen are eternal. That would be these same Faith, Hope & Love, I'm thinking-these that we don't see, but see evidence of -or the lack of - in our lives and the lives of the people around us. (That reminds me of a story-but I guess that'll be another day's pondering.)

Our job, then is to be about the business of sharing the light, and the good news, and of inviting others into this new life of the Spirit. I don't know that I am 'qualified' to do this, but I am willing to learn, and I am willing to be willing. Behold, now is the acceptable time, now is the day of salvation.

See you tomorrow.
-maggie