As We Have Received Mercy, We Do Not Lose Heart
(2 Corinthians 4:1)
 Our availability and ability to minister are sustained by God's mercy. We deserved condemnation by God and separation from Him for eternity. Instead, God had mercy upon us, forgiving us our sins. "Not by works of righteousness which we have done, but according to His mercy He saved us" (Titus 3:5). Furthermore, by His mercy He enlists us in His service. "And I thank Christ Jesus our Lord who has enabled me, because He counted me faithful, putting me into the ministry, although I was formerly a blasphemer, a persecutor, and an insolent man; but I obtained mercy" (1 Timothy 1:12-13). Our ministry is also about grace. "I became a minister according to the gift of the grace of God given to me" (Ephesians 3:7).
In light of having this type of ministry (one related to mercy and grace), "we do not lose heart." If we were called to serve God based on our merit and our resources, we would lose heart. We can periodically be tempted to discouragement, as we serve our God. Paul's testimony of service is similar to many of God's servants down through the ages. "For indeed, when we came to Macedonia, our flesh had no rest, but we were troubled on every side. Outside were conflicts, inside were fears" (2 Corinthians 7:5).
We too are surrounded by impossibilities and threatened by apprehensions. What are we to do in such unsettling trials? "For consider Him who endured such hostility from sinners against Himself, lest you become weary and discouraged in your souls" (Hebrews 12:3). No one faced more battles and betrayals than the Lord Jesus. Yet, no one served more faithfully. In battle after battle, the Father brought Jesus through victoriously. We can trust God to have mercy upon us. God will pour out His grace upon us and bring us through victoriously as well. Our thanks are to God, who gives us the victory through our Lord Jesus Christ. (1 Corinthians 15:57)
Law and grace are both aspects of God's nature that he uses in dealing with us. Moses emphasized God's law and justice, while Jesus Christ came to highlight God's mercy and grace. Moses could only be the giver of the law, while Christ came to fulfill the law (Matthew 5:17). The nature and will of God were revealed in the law; now the nature and will of God are revealed in Jesus Christ. Rather than coming through cold stone tablets, God's revelation ("truth") now comes through a person's life. As we get to know Christ better, our ministry opportunity will increase. "Let us therefore come boldly to the throne of grace, that we may obtain mercy and find grace to help in time of need" (Hebrews 4:16). Eternal God of mercy and grace, You know how discouragement often rolls over me like crashing waves. Please remind me that my service unto You depends on Your mercy and grace, not on my capabilities or performance. Thank You, Lord!
|
