Daily Lesson for March 1, 2019

Today’s Daily Lesson comes from 2 Corinthians chapter 4 verses 1 through 10:

Therefore, since it is by God’s mercy that we are engaged in this ministry, we do not lose heart. 2We have renounced the shameful things that one hides; we refuse to practise cunning or to falsify God’s word; but by the open statement of the truth we commend ourselves to the conscience of everyone in the sight of God. 3And even if our gospel is veiled, it is veiled to those who are perishing. 4In 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. 5For we do not proclaim ourselves; we proclaim Jesus Christ as Lord and ourselves as your slaves for Jesus’ sake. 6For 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 Christ.

7 But we have this treasure in clay jars, so that it may be made clear that this extraordinary power belongs to God and does not come from us. 8We are afflicted in every way, but not crushed; perplexed, but not driven to despair; 9persecuted, but not forsaken; struck down, but not destroyed; 10always carrying in the body the death of Jesus, so that the life of Jesus may also be made visible in our bodies.

“We do not lose heart.”

What a powerful statement of resilience and determination. In the face of so much opposition and struggle, and amidst such uncertainty about the future of his ministry, Paul holds his hope, keeps his faith, continues to dedicate himself to running his race. He will not stop fighting the good fight.

How he will go on he does not know. How he’s made it this far he doesn’t know either. At the end of the day he can say, it’s only by God’s grace.  It was grace that brought him safe thus far; and grace he’s trusting to see him home.

The treasure is in a clay jar. He knows just how fragile it all is, how easily broken, and how feeble. He knows how feeble he himself is. But does not rely on his own power. It is the power of God that he carries. It is the power of God that goes with him. And it is the power of God that will make the way out of no way. 

So, yes, Paul is old and beaten and worn down from all the struggle.  But he hasn’t lost heart. Thank God, he hasn’t lost heart. 

And neither should we.