I JUST SAW JESUS

I JUST SAW JESUS

READ:
2 Corinthians 4:1-10

Always carrying about in the body
the dying of the Lord Jesus, that
the life of Jesus also may be
manifested in our body.
-2 Corinthians 4:10

Years ago I lost my job in my chosen profession due to circumstances beyond my control.  So I took on two lesser-paying jobs in order to try to make ends meet.  Yet it still was very difficult to earn enough to pay my monthly expenses.

Then I reconnected with Joel and Dave, two friends from my past.  Joel had become the pastor of a growing church in the suburbs.  Dave had become an overseas missionary, but he was visiting in the US at the time.  Both of them, recognizing my predicament, gave me money to help pay the rent.  I was deeply moved.  As I thought of my friends actions, I said to myself:  "I have just seen Jesus Christ!"

Just as I saw Jesus in my friends, sometimes others can see Him in us.  Paul speaks of "Christ in you, the hope of glory" (Colossians 1:27).  He confessed:  "I have been crucified with Christ; it is no longer I who live, but Christ lives in me"  (Galatians 2:20).  And he also understood that different circumstances can be opportunities for "the life of Jesus [to] be manifested in our body" (2 Corinthians 4:10).

Do you know someone struggling with physical or financial burdens?  Why not let the indwelling Christ express His love through you by meeting that person's need. -Dennis Fisher

If I can do some good today,
If I can help in what I say,
If by my deeds Your love convey-
Dear Lord, Just show me how. -Brandt
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Real love is helping others for Jesus' sake
even if they can never return the favor.

INSIGHT
Paul identified the devil as "the god of this age" who prevents people from believing the gospel (vv.3-4).  In the parable of the sower, he is "the wicked one" who "snatches away [the word of the kingdom] sown in [the hearer's] heart" (Matthews 13:19).  Thankfully, Jesus came to "destroy the works of the devil" (1 John 3:8; cf. John 12:31; Hebrew 2:14).

Have a blessed day.
God Our Creator's Love Always
Unity & Peace