13 Mar 2007 - 2 Corinthians 4:6,7

Tuesday, March 13, 2007

God, we are so grateful for the enlightening, enabling filling of Your
Holy Spirit. We ask for the insight to see opportunities today to share
your good news, and the boldness to act.

Scripture for today: 2 Corinthians 4:6-7

What do you see? Think of the many images you have seen of the face of
Christ. Did any of them seem to shine with the light of the knowledge of
the glory of God? What does Paul mean, anyway?

In the beginning…..the earth was formless and empty, darkness was over
the surface of the deep, and the Spirit of God was hovering over the
waters. And God said, "Let there be light," and there was light (Gen.
1:1-3). Imagine the power of that first flood of light. Exploding into
the universe; dispelling the darkness. Do you suppose it was like a
gigantic flash of lightening? Whatever God did, it was too much for us
to comprehend. And Paul equates that mighty moment with the enlightening
experience of the flooding of His Holy Spirit into our hearts. I wonder
whether the darkness that existed in the beginning was deeper than the
darkness that at one time controlled my heart. Wow!
This Holy Spirit light that fills us is not with knowledge about, but
the knowledge of. Paul is talking about an intimate knowledge of God’s
glory that we can experience only through Jesus (John 1:18).
And He calls this relationship treasure. Treasure indeed! We cannot
measure the joy, the thrill, the all surpassing power of this gift. And
without the grace of God we could not contain it. Think of it! Before
Jesus came people knew that they could not even look at God and live,
and now we are filled with Him. Hallelujah!
In the greater passage that contains today’s verses Paul is encouraging
the Christians at Corinth to share this light. Just as Jesus came not to
be served, but to serve, so we must use this glorious presence to draw
others to the joy of eternal life, and abundant life. Jesus has given us
an awesome responsibility, but He has also given us His own power to
fulfill it.

I pray that you will shine His light on everyone you meet today.

Chuck McKinney, Valley Christian Church; Concord