Memory Verse: Week of February 12th

Week of February 12^th

2 Corinthians 4:16–18

[16] So we do not lose heart. Though our outer self is wasting away, our inner self is being renewed day by day. [17] For this light momentary affliction is preparing for us an eternal weight of glory beyond all comparison, [18] as we look not to the things that are seen but to the things that are unseen. For the things that are seen are transient, but the things that are unseen are eternal. (2 Corinthians 4:16–18 ESV)

[Context:  Paul has been going through an intense time of affliction in his Gospel mission.  His heart is to see more and more people come to know Jesus and the salvation found in him alone.  Here he is trying to encourage the Corinthian church to continue to press forward in taking the Gospel forward and make disciples, despite opposition and affliction and difficulties and disappointment and discouragement.  He reminds us that any suffering for the sake of the Gospel here in the moment, will bring about a greater joy in the resurrection – a joy that will increase forever!   There will be no regrets in “that day” – our great hope in the age to come, when there will be no sin, decay, loss, pain, heartache, disappointment, or death.  All suffering for the sake of Jesus in this temporary time will not only be swallowed up in great victory when Jesus returns and sets all things right, but  our suffering is preparing us to enjoy God more and more!   So let us not lose heart, by gazing intently on what we can’t see!

In Luke 1:67-78, Zechariah proclaims his joy in the faithfulness of God.  His long awaited unanswered prayer, was answered in a far bigger way that he anticipated.   As he persevered in everyday obedience and prayer, he did not lose heart.  His great joy was not in the temporary blessing of the miraculous birth of his son – though that was a blessing.  His lasting, great joy was in a greater Son – the Savior who brought eternal blessings that would not pass away, but increase forever!  ]