Day 47: The New Covenant

2 Corinthians 2, 3, 4

We are called to be ministers of the New Covenant.  What does this mean?  In Paul’s 2nd letter to the Corinthians, he explains what their role is – what their new responsibility was going to be.  What does it mean to be of the New Covenant?

¹⁵For we are to God the aroma of Christ among those who are being saved and those who are perishing. 2 Corinthians 2:15

¹Therefore, since through God’s mercy we have this ministry, we do not lose heart. ²Rather, we have renounced secret and shameful ways; we do not use deception, nor do we distort the word of God. On the contrary, by setting forth the truth plainly we commend ourselves to every man’s conscience in the sight of God. 2 Corinthians 4:1-2

⁶For God, who said, “Let light shine out of darkness,”^[a]made his light shine in our hearts to give us the light of the knowledge of the glory of God in the face of Christ.

⁷But we have this treasure in jars of clay to show that this all-surpassing power is from God and not from us. ⁸We are hard pressed on every side, but not crushed; perplexed, but not in despair; ⁹persecuted, but not abandoned; struck down, but not destroyed. 2 Corinthians 4:6-9

¹⁶Therefore we do not lose heart. Though outwardly we are wasting away, yet inwardly we are being renewed day by day. ¹⁷For our light and momentary troubles are achieving for us an eternal glory that far outweighs them all. ¹⁸So we fix our eyes not on what is seen, but on what is unseen. For what is seen is temporary, but what is unseen is eternal. 2 Corinthians 4:16-18

With every challenge – we are driven to God.  Yet, we must hold on fast to verses 16 – 18.  Do not lose heart….

Lord: Keep me from losing heart.  I can honestly say that there are times that I still turn to myself and refuse to open up in times of high stress.  I know I’ve been trying to let my barriers down – to let You in, to have full belief that You provide.  I am to be a child of faith, but by being a child of survival, am willing to forsake all I believe to be true.  Lord, I know that You provide.  Allow me to truly understand what the New Covenant means and what I am asked to do.  I know it can be hard and filled with trials, however, grant me a peace and calm that only You can.  In Jesus’ name I pray, Amen.