2 Corinthians 4:13-5:1—Christians have the hope of eternal life with Christ. Paul continues to discuss his ministry. Though he is an earthen vessel, he continues to speak because he believes. He is convinced that the Spirit that raised Jesus from the dead will also raise him and all believers so that they all will stand in the presence of God through His grace. This results in thanksgiving and glory to God. He continues his ministry even though he is wearing out physically.
But, spiritually he never grows old. And when this physical body comes to an end, God will give him a new, spiritual body. This is good news especially for our senior citizens. A Christian grows older and better says St. Paul. The body is wearing out – eyesight dims, legs get weak, breath is shorter, hearing is difficult. This is natural and can be expected. Yet, inside, the Christian is getter ever stronger because the child of God is renewed daily by the Spirit. A Christian is ever young in spirit, strong in faith. 1
Paul can never get away from “grace.” It is God’s forgiving love that forgives sin, cleanses the soul, and justifies the sinner. Thus grace causes us to be thankful and to persist, regardless of adversities.
A Prayer for seasonable weather: Lord God, gracious and merciful Father, because You have promised that You will hear us when we bring You our cares, we implore You not to deal with us according to our sins but according to Your mercy. Send seasonable weather so that in due time the earth may yield her increase. Remind us ever to receive with thanks our daily bread, trusting You as our gracious God; through Jesus Christ, our Lord. Amen. 2
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