Focus
Stop and thank God for being present with you today. Ask for God’s guidance as you hear God’s voice through scripture and the writer.
Read
Reflect
Paul wrote to the Corinthians, “we have this ministry.” It’s a very profound statement, one which might catch many off-guard. Ministry is readily understood to take place in the pulpit, in the pastor’s study, or in the Sunday school classroom. New Testament texts indicate ministry is the responsibility of apostles, prophets, evangelists, pastors, and teachers. Whew, surely that must be reserved for someone other than us. But Paul flatly states that “we” have ministry in our lives. He tells his readers that he, and they, present their actions to others openly, in God’s sight. That ministry is the exhortation of Jesus Christ, the Son of God. Paul reminds the Corinthians that God’s light is in our hearts. He then uses an illustration of “treasure in jars of clay”. Paul echoes Jesus’s words in the Matthew account of Jesus referring to believers as the light of the world (see February 5 e-Votion). Paul indicates that the treasure is better seen and understood if it is contained in a less-expensive jar as opposed to a great work of art such as a faberge egg. The exquisite workmanship displayed by the piece might render the treasure contained inside less important to the owner or viewer. And so this ministry is ours. Contained in perishable bodies, in bodies that reveal physical pain, in bodies that house doubts and fears. But we have this ministry to reveal Jesus’s life to others.
Pray
God of ministry and service, You have given us the task of lighting the world. You have given us the ministry of drawing others to You. Like Elijah, we have the command from You to rise up and attend to the needs of others, despite assault and persecution by the tempter. Reveal to us where the needs are. Remind us that the world without salt and light would be unlivable. Amen.
Go with God.
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